Let's Dish!

What's For Supper Ya'lll - Carne Asada!

2010-03-29T06:28:00.000-04:00

Carne Asada is a Mexican recipe for marinated, grilled beef served in in tortillas. This is not your run of the mill taco. This is a flavorful and delicious meal that is great for any occasion.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:
2 pounds skirt steak
12 flour tortillas
1/2 cup tequila
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup orange juice
4 cloves garlic crushed
1 medium onion chopped
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 cup salsa
1 cup guacamole
2 teaspoons Tabasco

Preparation:Mix juices, garlic, onion, tequila, Tabasco and pepper in a bowl. Add meat and marinate both sides. Cover and refrigerate, turning meat over occasionally. Let steak marinade for 6 to 8 hours. Preheat grill. Place a few drops of water on each tortilla, stack and wrap in aluminum foil. Place on grill. Remove meat from marinade, reserving marinade. Place on grill. Turn steak and tortillas once during cooking. Brush steak with remaining marinade. Cook to your liking (12 to 15 minutes for medium-rare). Cut into thin slices. Place a few slices of steak on each tortilla with salsa and guacamole and serve.

It's okay to eat vegetables that don't talk!

2010-03-26T06:19:00.004-04:00

Looking for a meaningful project to do with your kids this weekend? Plant a small garden!

My daughter and I stumbled across these at Lowe's this week! Veggie Tales Garden Kits!! So precious! They have every vegetable you can imagine and the best part is their slogan: "It's okay to eat vegetables that don't talk!"

You can buy the kits, or you can buy the individual seed packets. The price seems to range from $1.99-$10 for the whole kit!

Get outside and do something that will teach your kids the value of planting their own food!

Divas Item of the Week - Hot Tops! for Haiti

2010-03-19T00:01:00.001-04:00

Help support the children of Haiti!

$2.50 from the purchase of each Hot Tops! for Haiti goes to Haitian relief organizations. Please specify at the time of ordering if necklace is for boy or girl. Also indicate pink or black suede cord.

These children need your support!

Entertaining Tip - Handle Your Cookies With Care

2010-03-18T00:01:00.000-04:00

Handle Your Cookies with Care

Cookies are a great dessert for many reasons.

First, they go great with milk. Second, almost everyone, young and old, has a favorite cookie. And for the host they are a great make ahead treat that can be served as part of a dessert buffet, on top of ice cream, or just offered with a nice cup of tea or coffee.

If you decide to make cookies a part of your dessert menu, be sure to store them in an airtight container such as a plastic storage container, cookie tin, or even a plastic bag. But before you store freshly made cookies, be careful that they are completely cooled, and any frosting or decoration has completely dried. This way you can be assured they won't be soggy or spoiled when you finally put them out for serving.

About.com

DIVA FIND: Little Divas - Fashion Sticker Time!

2010-03-17T00:01:00.001-04:00

I stumbled across this great sticker fun for my 3 year old. She hasn't stopped playing with it for 2 days!

It's the Melissa and Doug Sticker Collection - Fashion! With over 600 stickers, 10 pages of fashion and lots of room for creative interpretation, let your little diva show off her fashionista skills!

I bought mine for $10 at the airport, but found Amazon carries it for just $5.74! Melissa and Doug also carries a Pink and Blue Sticker collection. The pink set include princesses and other girly stickers while the boys have firetrucks, reptiles and other fun boyish designs.

A local toy store in my area also recommended I try the Usborne collection of stickers. They, too, seem to have a huge range of sticker games and fun!

Let us know if you have any fun sticker games we can check out!

2010-03-16T00:01:00.001-04:00

I met a lady on a plane last night that was in the wig business. She got me thinking about the time Kristi needed a wig after cancer treatment. I thought Kristi would appreciate me passing on this information to others who may have the same need.

Free Wigs for Cancer Patients
5 Places to Get a Free Wig During Cancer Treatment
By Pam Stephan, About.com Guide
Updated July 31, 2009

Chemotherapy fights cancer but it also causes hair loss. Radiation therapy to your head can also cause hair loss. And that leads us to the need for a popular head covering -- a wig! A wig can cost from $40 to thousands of dollars. But when your budget is already strained by the cost of surgery and other treatments, even a $40 wig on sale may seem out of reach. Fortunately, there are ways to find free wigs. Here are five places to look for a free wig during cancer treatment.

American Cancer Society1-800-227-2345The American Cancer Society accepts donations of wigs, which they collect in wig banks at their local chapters. These wigs have been cleaned and kept ready for use. If you have no health insurance and are in need of help, contact your local American Cancer Society office and ask about patient services. Some of the wigs are distributed through ACS and some are given out at local Look Good Feel Better meetings, along with cosmetics and head coverings.

CancerCare1-800-813-HOPE (4673)
As part of their Women's Cancer Program, CancerCare offers financial assistance and counseling, support groups, and patient education. They also provide free wigs and breast prostheses to women who have lost their hair or a breast as a result of their cancer treatment.

Breast Cancer Network of Strength1-800-221-2141
When the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization changed its name to Breast Cancer Network of Strength, it didn't change its mission. BCNS provides wigs, prostheses and mastectomy bras to women whose budget just won't stretch to cover the cost of those items. Contact them to find out where the closest affiliate office is located that has a Wig & Prosthesis Bank. BCNS offices often have salons where women can try on items before taking them home.

Crickett's Answer for Cancer1-301-935-4411
This nonprofit organization provides free wigs, mastectomy products, mastectomy and lymphedema massage, facials, and other pampering services, as a way to keep a woman feeling feminine and beautiful despite losing her hair and/or breasts. Crickett's was founded in honor of Crickett Julius, who passed away in October of 2006, only four months after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 39. Crickett's is based in south central Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. areas. Carole Trone, a co-founder of Crickett's says, "We provide assistance to women all across the U.S. We mail or email an enrollment packet, and then either order wigs online or arrange for other products or services with vendors in the client's local area.

"Canadian Cancer Society1-416-961-7223
In Canada, Pantene Beautiful Lengths and the Canadian Cancer Society have joined forces to encourage women to donate their hair for wigs that will be made and distributed to women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. Pantene provides the hair requirements, a donation kit, and advice about how to hold a hair cutting event. Six ponytails are required to create one wig, which will be given away through the Canadian Cancer Society.

Pay It Forward
When your hair has grown back and you feel ready to show off your chemo curls, donate your wig to a cancer support organization, so someone else can enjoy it. If you have trouble finding a place that will take donated wigs, contact your local hospital and ask if they have a cancer clinic - they may be looking for donations of cancer care items. You may also donate money to registered charities that supply wigs to women who are in treatment for breast cancer but cannot afford the price of a wig. Having a flattering wig can help a woman feel that she looks attractive -- this can lift her spirits greatly during a time when she is fighting cancer. After a wig has served you well, consider giving it a new life with another survivor.

What's For Supper Ya'll - Taco Ring

2010-03-15T16:30:00.001-04:00

Serves/Makes:8

Ingredients

1/2 lb (.2 kg). ground beef, cooked and drained
1 1.25 oz (35 grm) package taco seasoning mix
1 cup (225 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
2 8 oz (224 grm). pkgs. refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 med. green bell pepper
1/2 head lettuce, shredded
1 med. tomato, cubed
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup (125 ml) whole pitted black olives, sliced
1 cup (225 ml) salsa
sour cream

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees (200 C.).
Combine meat, seasoning mix, cheese and water in 2 qt. batter bowl.
Arrange crescent triangles in a circle on a 13" round baking stone, with bases overlapping in center and points to outside (there should be a five inch diameter circle in center).
Using medium stainless steel scoop (approx. 2 T) spoon meat mixture over rolls.
Fold points of triangles over filling and tuck under base at center (filling will not be completely covered).
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Using V-shaped cutter, cut off top of bell pepper.
Place bell pepper in center of ring; fill with salsa.
Mound lettuce, onion, tomato and olives around pepper.
Using easy accent decorator, garnish with sour cream.
Cut and serve.

Hearts For Haiti NJ 2010 - Unite and Inspire

2010-03-12T00:01:00.001-05:00

I want to introduce you to a wonderful organization - Hearts For Haiti NJ 2010 - co-created by a friend of mine, Lauren Cantor!

It all started as a discussion between a mother and her child. Elle Cantor, a third grader at Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School in Madison, New Jersey, was watching “Good Morning America” with her mom, Lauren Cantor, as part of a daily morning routine before school. On this particular day, the GMA team was covering the story of the the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Elle was very disturbed by the images she saw on television, especially those of the Haitian children, so she asked her mother how she could help. Like many other children affected by this disaster, she started brainstorming about how to raise money in her school. Her initial ideas included a lemonade stand, a bake sale, and a toy sale; then she came up with the idea to have an art sale at school. With the assistance of her mother, the idea was expanded, and the concept for Hearts for Haiti was born.

The concept: Recruit local artists to create original art inspired by the tragedy in Haiti. These designs would then be converted into 4×6 note card replicas of the original art and sold at Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School in time for for Valentines Day. Eventually, some of the designs would also be made into T-Shirts and sold at the school, as well. As soon as the first Madison artist committed to the project, Lauren pitched the idea to Elle’s school Principal, Michael Post. He liked it so much that he asked to share the idea with some of the other Principals in the school system, and Dr. Richard Noonan, Superintendent of The Madison Public Schools . What started as a small fundraiser for one little elementary school, within hours turned into a fundraiser for the entire school system.

In a period of just one week, the word spread even further. The response was awe-inspiring. Fifteen local artists willingly enlisted, businesses joined in as sponsors, private Madison schools signed up to implement the fundraiser in their own schools, and residents generously volunteered to roll up their sleeves and jump in to help. With the support and endorsement of the local chapter of the American Red Cross, The Madison Chamber of Commerce, several Madison schools, local and family owned businesses and a very talented artistic community, our small suburban town of Madison, New Jersey, with a population of approximately 16,500, banned together to rally for the cause. Miraculously, Elle’s idea for a single elementary school fundraiser turned into a major community initiative.

(the above text taken from Hearts For Haiti NJ 2010 website)

Also, if you'd like to support Hearts For Haiti NJ 2010 by purchasing a Hot Tops!(tm) Bottlecap Necklace, go to www.cookies4acause.com/shop. In the comments section of your order, specify you'd like $2.50 from the purchase of your Hot Tops!(tm) to go to Hearts For Haiti NJ 2010.

Make Up 101 - Rosy Radiance

2010-03-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

Creating a natural, rosy radiance.

When applying blush, you want the color to look soft and natural, as if it comes from within. Read below for tips on how to put on make-up.

1. Tap or lightly blow on the applicator brush to remove any excess blush before applying to prevent a harsh and uneven application.

2. Apply your blush on the apple of the cheek and carefully blend towards your natural hairline.

3. If you have two shades, apply the darker one on the apple of the cheek first, then use the lighter shade to highlight. Blend well so there is no visible line between colors.4. Highlight your temples, forehead and chin.

Tip: To know "where to glow" bend over for 30 seconds, then slowly stand up. Where your cheeks are flushed is where you are meant to blush. Apply your blush there and it will be naturally rosy every time.

Tip: Cheek color should be used to enhance your complexion, not to change your natural skin tone. Use sparingly for daytime, then add more or a deeper shade for a more dramatic nighttime effect. For special occasions, dust a lightly frosted powder over your cheekbones for a subtle but alluring glow.
Tip: Make sure to blend your blush into your foundation well or it will tend to look unnatural and add the appearance of 5 years to your looks.

A night of Glamour and Giving!

2010-03-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

We're Back!

2010-03-09T06:13:00.003-05:00

And we're stronger than ever! Sorry for the long sabbatical!! This past year has been wonderful and full of changes. My son was born last April and since then we've been on the go!

The Divas In The Kitchen has had a major overhaul and is spreading like wildfire! There are so many divas out there doing so many good things!

Then, there is HOT TOPS!(tm) - our bottlecap necklace fundraiser! We customize these bottlecaps to fit any design or logo, sell them to charities, schools and organizations, and help them raise money for their own cause!

Also, we're getting to re-launch our website: www.thedivasinthekitchen.com. Thanks to our web designer, Brent Friar of BNR Branding, we will have a new look coming soon.

Thank you for visiting us and start tuning in again!

Great tips!

2009-05-20T08:06:00.000-04:00

Crying for you onion~
Chopping onions making you cry? Here is a great solution: Put your whole unpeeled onions in the freezer for about five minutes before chopping. Then peel and chop... no more tears!

Cleaning your toothbrush??
Even after rinsing your toothbrush there are still germs on it; I keep a cup of rubbing alcohol on the sink and after each use I dip the brush in it and leave it overnight. Next morning rinse it and use it again. Your breath is always clean.

Hiding Christmas~Great idea for older children
For the family members still living at home, I wrap presents and put numbers on them instead of names. That way I can put the presents under the Christmas tree and only have to hide the master list instead of hiding all the presents until Christmas.

White Tennis shoes~ Toothpaste is great for this!
To keep your tennis shoe soles clean, just take an old toothbrush and some toothpaste, and scrub around the soles. The dirt will come off -- even red mud. It works great!

Tips

2009-04-29T07:41:00.001-04:00

Desk Organizer for Free~
I hate to throw away the clear medicine bottles we all get from the pharmacy. Arrange the different sizes to design a desk organizer that either stands up or lies on its side. Use a glue gun and carefully glue the bottles together. You could paint on them or spruce them up however you desire. It won't cost you a dime and you'll help the environment.

Stain Removers~
I put a little Oxy-clean on a stain, let it sit, then gently scrub with a toothbrush and a little water. Wash as usual after you treat the stain. The stains come out every time!

Great tip
Striped Popsicles~
Pour watermelon juice into popsicle containers until they are half full. Fill them to the top with unsweetened pineapple juice, then freeze. These are a sweet, low-sugar popsicle that will add a cooling and delicious juicy treat to your children's summer fun.

I love this idea!
Keeping Track of Passwords~
I like to store all my favorite website user names and passwords on a Rolodex wheel. It is a quick reminder. Let your fingers do the walking!

Hunter's Closet - Consignment is All the Rage!

2009-04-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

GRAND OPENING
HUNTER’S CLOSET
Kids Consignment Store
Opening Sat. May 2, 2009
1236 Hwy 16 N, Denver NC
(beside Captain’s Cap Restaurant)
Doors open 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Brand Name Clothes & Accessories
Refreshments & Door Prizes
704.770.5829
hunterscloset@gmail.com

Lake Norman Divas

2009-04-23T00:00:00.001-04:00

are on a mission to make a difference in their community. They just finished a book drive and donated them to the Ada Jenkins Center. They were very happy to receive the books! The adult books are for people to take, read and keep and the kids books are going into the after school area.
It is amazing---what a difference 1 group of Divas can make!

Join a chapter or start your own! It is simple and lots of fun to do with your girlfriends!

"Together we are making a difference."

thrifty tips

2009-04-22T07:32:00.005-04:00

Food Friendly
Brown bagging isn't just for your child any more. We as adults can pack a lunch. It is cost efficient and healthy to boot! Don't buy a prepackaged lunch they are rather expensive and not very nutritious.

Kids eat FREE!!
Many places offer a childs plate if buying a regular entree. A great way to save some money and not have to cook.

Clip a few coupons
You can either get the Sunday paper or join a coupon website. Check the local paper ads for the grocery store that you use and try using the coupons you have to buy whats in the ad.

Bulk up
Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk is agreat idea. You can save time and energy by doing this. Less time at the store, less gas and milage on your car. But be careful not to over buy because you think you getting a good deal!

Cards
Those wonderful store cards. Everybody has them. You carry about 15 or more of them on your key ring. You have one for every store you shop at! You could always just use your phone number. That is what my husband does.

Earth Day 2009

2009-04-21T08:44:00.003-04:00

Happy Earth Day 2009!

Earth Day is a day to recognize our Earth.

It is up to us to make some changes to help

preserve it!

What have you done for our earth?

What will you do for our earth?

"Together we are making a difference!"

March For Babies

2009-04-16T00:00:00.002-04:00

The March of Dimes is hosting it's annual March for Babies in downtown Charlotte on Saturday, April 25th. The walk begins at 10 am and is just under 4 miles.

Proceeds raised through the efforts of the walkers and corporate sponsors go to help the March of Dimes research many issues that effect babies today, including premature birth and low birth weight.

LakeNormanMommies.com is participating in the event for the second year. Last year, LakeNormanMommies.com raised just over $4,000. This year, we have raised $740 to date toward our $3,000 goal. If you would like to walk with our team, or make a donation towards our fundrasing efforts, please visit www.marchforbabies.org/lakenormanmommies.

"Together we are making a difference."

Ten Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

2009-04-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Facts:
In 2008, an estimated 1.5 million people in the United States were diagnosed with cancer, including over 700,000 new cases in men and nearly the same number of new cases in women.

There were also over 650,000 cancer deaths last year, which ranks cancer second only to heart disease as a leading cause of death.

What is Cancer?
Cancer is caused by changes in genes that control the growth and death of cells. The disease develops when cells continue to grow and divide instead of dying off when they get older as they would normally do. As cancer cells multiply, they can damage nearby tissues and can also spread to other parts of the body and develop into new tumors.

While improvements in detection, diagnosis, and treatment have increased the survival rate for many types of cancer, we also encourage doing all you can do to prevent the disease as a core strategy of your prescription for optimal health.

Prevention: 10 things we can all do to reduce the risk of developing cancer:

1. Avoid tobacco products and second-hand smoke
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for both men and women. Ironically, it’s also the most preventable type of cancer. Some 87-percent of lung cancer deaths are attributable to exposure to tobacco smoke including roughly 3,000 deaths each year in non-smokers due to second-hand smoke. Of the 45 million Americans who still smoke in 2007, 30-percent of male and 21-percent of female high school students reported using some form of tobacco in the prior month. If you smoke, take the necessary steps to quit for the health of you and your loved ones.

2. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight increases your chance of developing certain types of cancer, including cancer of the esophagus, colon and rectum, and pancreas. Obesity also increases the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women by roughly 50-percent, and endometrial cancer by about three fold. And carrying too much extra body weight is believed to account for up to 30-percent of kidney cancers in both men and women. Make smart food choices, control portion sizes, and fill up on fruits and vegetables to help manage your healthy weight and reduce your risk of cancer.

3. Get moving
The American Cancer Society recommends regular exercise as a way to prevent cancer. Regular exercise burns calories and can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. Pick something that gets and keeps you moving like walking, hiking, cycling, swimming, team sports, and even dancing. Consider biking or walking to work, or take a walk during your lunch break. Be sure to gradually work up to 30-45 minutes of exercise a day for five or more days per week.

4. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Fruits and vegetables are naturally rich in dietary antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and a whole family of carotenoids that may help to protect your healthy genes from oxidative damage. Recent research suggests that eating tomatoes may help to protect against developing prostate cancer, while eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts may help to protect against bladder cancer. Fruits and vegetables are also rich in fiber which can speed the transit of food through the digestive system and may reduce the absorption of cancer-causing chemicals. So eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables may be the best way to ensure broad spectrum protection.

5. Fresh is best
Until about 20 years ago, stomach cancer was the most common cancer worldwide, perhaps due to cultural preferences for eating large amounts of salt-preserved foods such as cured meats and pickled vegetables. This finding underscores the point that when it comes to eating most foods, it’s generally best to eat fresh rather than salted, cured, or pickled. In general, the less processed the food, the healthier it will be for you.

6. Limit alcohol intake
Excess alcohol consumption is associated with increased risks of cancers of the oral cavity, throat, voice box, esophagus, liver, breast, and possibly the colon and rectum. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women, and aside from carrying too much body weight, alcohol intake is the only other established risk factor for this disease. It’s recommended that men who drink alcohol should limit their intake to no more than 2 drinks per day, while women should limit their intake to no more than 1 drink daily.

7. Practice sun safety and check for changes in your skin
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is damaging to your skin. The genetic damage it can cause to skin cells can lead to skin cancer, a disease that is increasingly common, especially among young people. Be aware that the sun’s peak time is between 10 am and 3 pm and that sunlight exposure can be intensified by up to 50-percent when reflected from sand, water, snow, ice, and concrete. When outdoors, cover up exposed areas and wear sun screen with an SPF of 15 or more. Know your skin and be aware of the location, size, and shape of moles and skin spots, and report any changes promptly to your physician.

8. Reduce your exposure to potential carcinogens
There are many substances in the environment with the potential to put you at higher risk for developing cancer. On the job, minimize your exposure to fumes, dust, solvents, and chemicals. Try to reduce your everyday exposure to potentially-toxic environmental chemicals in the home and…
Dust and vacuum regularly to rid your home of toxins attracted to dust
Open windows and use fresh air to freshen and minimize indoor pollution
Filter your drinking water to remove pollutants
Switch to green cleaning products that are safe but still powerful

9. Know your family history and get screened
Some 5-10-percent of cancers are due to a genetic predisposition to cancer. Family history is a risk factor for common types of cancer including breast, ovarian, colon, and prostate cancer. If you have a family history of cancer your physician may recommend genetic testing to see if you have the type of gene that can increase your chance of developing cancer. For individuals with an average risk of cancer, the following cancer screening guidelines are recommended:
Breast cancer: Women should begin yearly mammograms at age 40 and conduct regular breast self exams starting in the 20’s.
Colon and rectal cancer: Men and women should have one or more screening tests including a colonoscopy starting at age 50.
Cervical cancer: All women should begin cervical cancer screening no later than 21 years of age.
Prostate cancer: Men should have the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal examination annually beginning at age 50.

10. Choose your dietary supplements wisely
Whether it’s vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, the antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and the carotenoids, fiber, or emerging phytochemicals, nutrition surveys have made it clear that your diet is unlikely to be providing all the essential nutrients and other dietary factors you need to be at your healthiest. And dietary supplement studies have yielded compelling evidence that supplements can help to reduce the chance of developing cancer in undernourished individuals.

EGGSELLENT EVENTS!

2009-04-01T08:22:00.005-04:00

Underwater Egg Hunt

Rays Splash Planet April 2

10 a.m. til 1230 p.m. OR 5 p.m. til 7 p.m.

Children will be hunting for Easter eggs in Splash Park. Photos with the Easter Bunny will be taken and prizes given away!

The cost is $10 per child.

Bunny Trail Train Ride and Egg Hunt

521 Rec Center at Elon Park April 11

10 a.m. til 1 p.m.

Come join Peter Cotton Tail in a tour of his home on his Choo-Choo Train while hunting for eggs!

The cost is $5 per child.

Egg Hunt

Mallard Creek Recreation Center April 9

9 a.m. til 10 a.m.

Bunny hop while searching for eggs! Some filled with prizes. Plus eat a healthy snack that is provided.

The cost is $3 member/ $6 nonmember.

2009-03-31T00:00:00.000-04:00

10 Healthy, Green Snack Tips for School Kids

This article was written by Alexandra Zissu and what a fantastic idea and how easy it would be if more of us did this at our schools!

Follow these ideas to ensure your child is eating a healthy, nontoxic diet. It's a recipe for learning. I'm happily in the process of helping to green my daughter's preschool. I've aided them in their search for gentle industrial green products, and more eco- and kid-friendly hand soap. And I'm currently involved with a snack committee. The goal is to make sure our children are snacking on healthier things by setting up shopping guidelines and suggestions for parents. We're all already being mindful not to bring in anything that could cause allergic reactions, so the committee is thinking it won't be a huge leap to make to scan ingredient lists for a few more best-to-avoid items.
Here's a working draft of a "top ten" list (in no particular order) which I recently sent to the committee, and which will eventually be sent out to the school. Is there something I'm not thinking about? Or is there a great snack your kids love?

1. Buy Whole Foods
The best items to bring in are whole foods, and this doesn't mean things from Whole Foods but rather items that are whole/entire, and are close to how they came out of the earth -- i.e. unprocessed. Carrots, apples, nuts (though of course not the ones banned for food allergy reasons) etc.
2. Choose Processed Foods With Short Ingredient Lists
When it comes to things that are processed and then packaged like crackers and pretzels, ingredient lists should be very, very short. Michael Pollan has some rule of thumb about things not having any more than five ingredients in them. He also contends that if you can't pronounce or say an ingredient, you shouldn't eat it. These are simple and wise commonsense guidelines. We also obviously want to be avoiding trans fats.
3. Buy Organic Foods
Organic food has proven to be safest for growing children, and can be more nutritious than its conventional counterparts. Choose it. For everything. It's not that much more expensive for something as small as snacks. Not only does organic mean avoiding pesticide sprays and residues, but we're keeping those very things out of the earth and waterways they've inherited. With regard to crackers or anything that might contain some version of processed soy or corn (i.e. everything packaged), choosing organic means the corn and soy (and everything else) aren't allowed to be genetically modified. The above-mentioned five ingredient rule should also apply to organic crackers and the like -- just because something is organic doesn't mean it isn't overly processed.
4. Avoid the Dirty Dozen
When you cannot find organic fruits or veggies, or if something organic is just too expensive compared to its conventional counterpart, turn to the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen list. They tested and tested and came up with a list of the 12 least contaminated and 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables. If you're buying conventional, choose from their least contaminated list and always avoid the most contaminated list. It's a list that can be printed and put in your wallet. And certainly something we can link to off our school Website.
5. Avoid Sugary Snacks
There is a time and a place for it, but I'd argue that school snack isn't it (besides birthdays, and there are ample birthdays throughout the school year). If you're buying graham cracker sorts of things, read the ingredient list. I'm not sure I think graham crackers or any food in the shape of animals (teddies etc.) are really food. I'd love to ban them, but that might be too extreme to enforce.
6. Choose Whole Grain Snacks
Whole grains are proven again and again to be good for us, and excellent for growing kids. Most parents I hear from are trying to figure out how to work more grains into their diet. If you're buying things like crackers, rice cakes, and pretzels, opt for whole grain versions. There are spelt pretzels, for example, instead of white flour ones. Speaking of pretzels, low salt or no salt is a better idea for kids, as well. With (air popped) popcorn, organic is a must to avoid GM corn.
7. Draw a Good Food Road Map
To make it easy for parents, give specific instructions to go along with general guidelines. List which snacks can be purchased at which stores near the school, so people can just pick up the good stuff on the way in to school, and not have to bother trying to figure out which hummus contains sugar or which pita has an unexpected soy additive in it.
8. Avoid Packaged Yogurts
Many parents bring in cheese and crackers. Some even bring in packaged yogurt to avoid hormones and antibiotics (treatment of the animals and other environmental issues factor in here, of course, but no point in beating everyone over the head when we're trying to get them on board!). The packaged yogurts aren't great because of the packaging, but also because of the shocking amount of sugar in them (Marion Nestle, in her tome What to Eat, goes off on packaged yogurts for young kids).
9. Pool Resources
Set up a pot for parents who aren't interested in being involved to put their snack cash in. Parents who like shopping for food can step up and do it for them, just as with all other duties at school.
10. Ban Processed Lunch Meats
I'm saving the best for last: meat. It's not actually the sort of thing parents tend to bring in for snack at our school, but from time to time they do bring in cold cuts. If people bring in meat at your school, stick your meat suggestions at the top of the list. Chemicals and other toxins bio accumulate in the flesh of animals at the top of the food chain. Organic is a must here.
Oh, and, don't forget to think about what you're serving these snacks on -- and the water in.

What's For Supper Ya'll? Parmesan Crusted Salmon

2009-03-30T00:01:00.002-04:00

By Food Network

Ingredients
1 (6-ounce) salmon fillet, skin off
1/4 cup Parmesan, finely grated
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Paste:
4 ounces sun dried tomatoes, packed in olive oil
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Basil Pesto:
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic
1/2 cup basil leaves
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
Parmesan Crisps, recipe follows
Sauteed Asparagus, recipe follows
Mashed Potatoes, recipe follows

Directions
Lightly season the salmon with salt and pepper. Generously coat 1side of the salmon with the finely grated Parmesan. In a non-stick saute pan, add approximately 3 tablespoons vegetable oil and place over high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon in the pan cheese side down. Turn temperature down to medium heat and allow the salmon to cook about 4 minutes before flipping over. The idea is to form a nice crispy, lightly brown crust. Turn salmon and allow to cook another 3 or 4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside in a warm place until plating.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Paste:
In a blender or food processor, add the sun-dried tomatoes along with their oil, the garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. Process the mixture on high speed approximately 1 minute until almost smooth. The mixture should be slightly chunky. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Basil Pesto
In a blender or food processor, place the extra-virgin olive oil and garlic clove. Process until smooth. Add the basil leaves, and process for about 1 minute until mixture is relatively smooth. Add the Parmesan and process again until fully incorporated. Season the pesto with salt and pepper, to taste.

To plate:
Place a small mound of mash potatoes in the center of the plate. Place the asparagus on top of the mashed potatoes at an angle. Then put the salmon nicely on the plate, overlapping the asparagus. Drizzle the plate with both pestos and garnish the plate with the Parmesan crisp by securing it in the bed of mashed potatoes.

Parmesan Crisps:
1/4 cup Parmesan, coarsely grated
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Heavily grease a cookie sheet (parchment paper is optional, but if using parchment, make sure it is heavily greased). In a 5-inch diameter circle, sprinkle the coarsely grated Parmesan. Make sure there is just enough to fill the circle, don't over do it! Place in oven and bake for approximately 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool before lifting from cookie sheet. Be extremely gentle with them they are very brittle when cool.

Sauteed Asparagus:
4 green asparagus
1/2 tablespoon butter
Salt and white pepper
Cut off about 2 inches of the ends of the asparagus, as they tend to be very coarse and tough. Blanch asparagus in boiling, well-salted water until tender. Shock them in ice water to keep them from cooking any further and hold them until you are ready to plate. Right before plating, in a saute pan over a low flame, melt the butter with the asparagus. Once the asparagus are hot, season with salt and white pepper.

Mashed Potatoes:
2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/8ths
1/2 cup cream
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
Place the potatoes in cold, salted water over high heat. Cook thoroughly and strain. In a separate pot, heat heavy cream and butter. Using a potato masher, mash potatoes. Slowly incorporate the cream and butter mixture. Season with salt and white pepper, to taste.

Appetizer Tree

2009-03-27T00:01:00.001-04:00

Appetizer Tree

By About.com

This appetizer tree serves double-duty as a colorful and attractive table decoration for parties

and as an edible treat. If you are creative, you can carve the fresh pineapple into any shape that suits your party. Feel free to use your favorite fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and or/cooked meats in any combination. Modify the colors of the foods to fit your theme.

Prep Time: 1 hours

Ingredients:

1 fresh pineapple
Edam cheese, cut into 1/2-inch squares
Cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch squares
Summer sausage or pepperoni, cut into 1/2-inch squares
Cooked ham, cut into 1/2-inch squares
Fruit, cut into 1/2-inch squares
Toothpicks

Preparation:Select a pineapple that freely stands upright. Slice off the green top. Cut away the outer skin, then carve into desired shape. Beginning at the bottom of the carved pineapple, use toothpicks to attach cheese, salami, and ham to the pineapple in a decorative pattern. You can alternate colors or put similar colors in separate rings. Feel free to use your favorite fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and or/cooked meats in any combination. Modify the colors of the foods to fit your party or holiday theme. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.

Support Diabetes

2009-03-26T00:00:00.001-04:00

Lauren Elizabeth Krajewski, daughter of Stan and Michele Krajewski was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on 9-4-08. Here is sweet way to support a great cause!

Wendy’s is once again partnering with JDRF to sell Jr. Frosty coupon books in support of the Walk to Cure Diabetes.

Please stop by your local Wendy’s to purchase a Jr. Frosty coupon book (including 7 coupons for only $1) and help find a cure!

*One 4 oz. frosty from Wendy’s is 29 grams of carbs*

We also encourage families to thank their local store manager
for their continued support of the Walk program.

Wendy’s has raised $718,106 since 2005 to support their goal of raising $1 million for diabetes research by 2010. Many thanks to Wendy’s for their commitment to help JDRF find a cure!

"Together we can make a difference!"

Great Tips

2009-03-25T08:02:00.000-04:00

Emergency Kit

Consider adding these items to your emergency first aid kit: Scissors to easily make a butterfly bandage from tape, a small vial of rubbing alcohol (try putting it in a film canister) to kill ticks and a first aid guide. A jewelry or toiletries travel organizer with see-through pouches is very helpful in storing the items!

Toilet Brush Holder

If you are like me and you still use the old-fashioned, round toilet brush, consider storing it in a discarded flower vase. It's a neat/handy way to store and disguise it.

Spray Bottles

To organize spray-bottle cleaners, I installed an inexpensive, lightweight metal towel bar on the wall above my washer and dryer. I hang the bottles by their spray triggers -- they never tip over, and are always handy.

Stomach and Cough
For an upset stomach, try sucking on a peppermint. It's soothing and really works. And for a cough that doesn't want to subside, try a drop of peppermint oil on your tongue. It will soothe your throat and work better than a cough drop.

10 Easy At Home Tips

2009-03-24T00:00:00.006-04:00

I am always looking for easy ways to "go green" in our house that are not going to entail me having to make a huge change since we are very busy these days! I read this fabulous article that I wanted to share with you from At Home Magazine. I hope you can make just 1 change to help our Earth!

Here are 10 easy ways to get going:

1. Pay Bills Online....Saves paper which Saves trees.

2. Read up on the best GREEN Products....Online of course

3. Use Native Plants....reduces the amount of water you need

4. Set your computer to sleep when not in use...Edison is a free software....visit www.verdiem.com to check it out

5. Recycle your CFL's (compact fluorescent light bulbs)....Free drop offs include most Home Depots and Ikea's

6. Install dimmer switches....Saves Energy....Visit www.1000bulbs.com to see where you can purchase CFL dimmer compatible bulbs

7. Program your thermostat....Saves Energy

8. Reverse ceiling fans....Winter it should turn clockwise and Summer counterclockwise

9. Install heat controlling window film...Saves Energy and Money

10. Look for the Energy Star Label, Water Sense Label, the Forest Stewardship Council Label and Green Seal Label to be sure you are using "GREEN" products

If you have any other easy suggestions we would love to hear from you!

"Together we are making a difference"

What's For Supper Ya'll? Crab Cakes!

2009-03-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

THE BEST CRAB CAKES

SERVES 3 to 4 AS A MAIN DISH, 6 to 8 AS AN APPETIZER

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (can use up to 1 teaspoon if desired)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 pound cooked crab meat, flaked (I use back fin)
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs, more as needed
Salt and pepper to taste
Additional fresh breadcrumbs or, preferably, panko crumbs for dredging
Butter and oil for frying
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce with Capers and Dill (optional)

Mix together the parsley, mustard, Worcestershire, eggs and mayonnaise. Add the crab meat and crumbs. Season with salt and pepper and combine well but gently, so you don't break up the crab meat. Divide the mixture into 6 to 8 portions; flatten gently into thick patties. (To ensure even portions, pack the mixture into a 1/3-cup measure for each patty.) Coat each patty lightly with crumbs.

If possible, refrigerate for 30 minutes before sautéeing. Heat butter and a little oil, enough to generously cover the bottom, in a large fry pan over medium-high heat. Add the crab patties, in batches if necessary, and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately, with or without the Red Pepper Sauce.
Notes: The recipe can be cut in half. I often add herbs, such as chopped chives or dill for extra flavor. Just don't add so much as to overpower the crab. Cooked crabcakes may be kept warm in a 200° F oven while waiting for others to sauté.

Springtime brings out flowers, blooms and...MELAMINE!

2009-03-20T00:01:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love eating outdoors!!! One thing I have learned is it's great to have melamine dishes on hand - they're durable, easy to clean, typically inexpensive and most importantly, shatterproof!

Over the years, I have begun to collect various melamine place settings. I use them for all different occasions. I have polka dots, stripes, multi-colored, you name it! This year, I have found a new favorite - pink damask!

The Divas In The Kitchen is proud to present this new collection to our viewers! We were able to buy several of these 12 piece place settings at a phenomenal price and can offer it to our divas at just $40!

If you'd like to purchase this 12 piece ensemble that includes:

Square Salad Plates, Bowls, Square Dinner Plates
Not for Use in Microwave, Dishwasher Safe
Pink, White with Damask Pattern
Dinner Plate Dimensions: 10.5" dia.
Salad/Dessert Plate Dimensions: 8.5" dia.
Bowl Dimensions: 6.5"dia.

click our link below!

Happy Spring!

How to "Go Green" when you are out and about??

2009-03-17T07:53:00.003-04:00

The choices we make every day impact our planet. As consumers, we have choices! From the cars we drive to the food and stuff we buy. Become part of the solution, not part of the problem! Sometimes making green choices can be confusing because not all the "Green" is earth-friendly, certified organic and recyclable.

Get educated before you buy:

*Read Labels

*Ask Questions

*Pay attention to things like packaging and ingredients you can't pronounce.

*Consider long-term environmental effects of the "convenient" disposables we toss in landfills by the billions: diapers, napkins, razors, water bottles.

Make the change and Make it a "Green" one!

What's For Supper Ya'll? Quick Marinated Beef Kebabs With Peach Chutney

2009-03-16T00:01:00.001-04:00

Quick Marinated Beef Kebabs With Peach

Brown Rice

1 pound beef tenderloin

2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

1 large onion

1 red bell pepper

8 medium mushrooms

2 cups water

2 cups quick cooking brown rice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Preheat the broiler or grill; marinate the beef and blanch the peppers and onions for the kebabs.

In a 4-quart saucepan, add plenty of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, cut the beef tenderloin into 1-inch cubes and mince the 2 garlic cloves. Place the tenderloin and the garlic in a resealable plastic bag with the 1-tablespoon olive oil, and 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar. Marinate the meat 10 minutes while preparing the vegetables. Cut the 1 onion into 8 wedges, cut the 1 red pepper into 8 squares, and remove the stems from the 8 mushrooms. Blanch the onions and red pepper in the boiling water for 2 minutes; drain.In a small saucepan, add the 2 cups water and the salt, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the 2 cups rice, remove from the heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes.Meanwhile, thread the onion wedges, red pepper squares, mushroom caps, and beef cubes onto skewers, beginning and ending with the onion wedges. Broil or grill the kebabs 2 to 3 inches from the heat for about 5 minutes on each side.Place the chutney in a bowl and set the bowl on the table.Fluff the rice with a fork. Spoon a serving of rice onto each of 4 dinner plates, place a kebab on top of the rice, and serve with the peach chutney.

The Chocolate Fountain

2009-03-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

You can turn any gathering into an extraordinary event by simply adding a chocolate fountain to the party. Your guests will love dipping fresh strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels, sugar cookies and other goodies into delicious flowing chocolate.

These fountains come in all shapes and sizes. Here are a few we have found for you:

Amazon.com $39.90

Overstock.com

Walmart.com $49.96

What have you done for your community lately??

2009-03-12T00:00:00.001-04:00

It doesn't take a large number of people to make a difference!
Lake Norman Divas Chapter has been doing some really great things for our community and we are only a group of 18. We have done several drives already and we are only in our 6th month. We donated clothing to Lydia's Loft, stuffed animals to Crisis Assistants in Charlotte and currently we are donating prom dresses to the Ace and TJ Grinn Kids Foundation that will allow girls to have dresses that they would not be able to afford otherwise! I am very proud of the accomplishments we've made in such a short amount of time and know that our future of giving is very bright!

Speak up and tell us what you've done for your community lately! We'd love to here how Divaish you are.

"Together we are making a difference!"

Family Time

2009-03-11T08:30:00.002-04:00

The Mint Museum of Craft & Design wonderful things for your family to do. Every second Tuesday of the month they have a great program designed for kids 18 months up to 4 years (with a parent). Your art lover will enjoy a drop-in, friendly experience with you!
The next Tuesday is April 14 from 10 a.m. til noon. The theme is My Favorite Color, go on a color hunt in the museum and create a beautiful stained glass window.
They also have Saturdays that are sponsored by Target. All ages are welcome! Families are encouraged to drop by the museums art studio to enjoy making a project together. Projects are geared toward 5 years and up but age appropriate art supplies are available for your younger ones too.
Drop in any time between 1030 a.m. and 230 p.m. Please visit website www.mintmuseum.org or call 704-337-2050 for more information.

The 12th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Charlotte goes Green Festival will be marching into town March 14th starting at 11a.m. Uptown Charlotte will hold its parade between 9th & Tryon Streets and head south to 3rd & Tryon Streets. After the parade is over the festival (free to public) will begin. Enjoy in the food and watch the Irish dancers while listening to music. Don't forget bagpipers, vendors and more!
Find out more at www.charlottestpatsday.com

What's For Supper Ya'll? Spring Recipe Ideas

2009-03-09T00:01:00.001-04:00

Spring Recipe Ideas

By Family Fun

Celebrate the arrival of spring with recipes for cute cakes and cupcakes, outdoor grilling, and fresh fare -- perfect for enjoying the great outdoors.

Cute Cakes & Cupcakes
Baseball Cupcake
Butterfly Cake
Campout Cake
Catch a Rainbow Cake
Flower Power Cake
Flutter Delight Cupcakes
Froggy Cupcakes
Gumdrop Garden Cake
Hot Dog & Burger Cupcakes
I Like My Bike Cake
Jungle Cake
Ladybug Cake
Ladybug Cupcake
Lion and Lamb Cupcakes
New! March Madness Cupcakes
Nest Cupcake
Pretty Package Cake
Rose Basket Cupcake
Sunflower Cake
Sunflower Cupcake
Yellow Jacket Cupcake

Refreshing Spring Drinks
Berry Ice Cube Lemonade
Blue Lagoon
Johnnie Appleseed Slushy
Mango Tango Smoothie
Old-Fashioned Lemonade
Orange Creamsicle
Root Beer Float

Snacks & Fruity Treats
New! Better-for-You Brownies
New! Bubbly Berries and Grapefruit
Earth Day Bars
Frozen Fruit Pops
Fruit Kebobs
Fruit Pizza
Funky Fruit Snack
Healthy Hearts
Lady Bugs on a Stick
Monkey Mix
PB & J Blossom Sandwiches
Peachy Caramel S'mores
Sandwich on a Stick
New! Snowy Trail Mix
Strawberry Mice
New! Umbrella Cookies

Salad Days
Antipasto Salad
Apple Chicken Salad
Chinese Chicken Salad
Corn and Tomato Salad
Couscous Salad with Turkey
Greek Steak Salad
Hawaiian Chicken Salad
Honey-Lime Fruit Salad
Mango, Jicama & Cucumber
Spinach & Pine Nut Salad
Tropical Fruit with Lime
Vegetable Flowers

Great Grilling
Barbecued Pork Ribs
Best-Ever Hamburgers
Chicken BBQ Quesadillas
Chicken Fingers on a Stick
Chicken Yumsticks
Grilled Chicken Tostadas
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled Everything Salad
Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
Moroccan Chicken Kebobs
Pacific Coast Salmon Burgers
Shrimp on a Stick
Smoky Potato Packets
Teriyaki Delight

Spring Fling! Party Activities To Do With Children

2009-03-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

WATER PLAY

Pull out your gum boots and find a puddle to muck around in (or fill a wading pool with water). Then, bring out the food coloring, bubble bath, whisk, funnels, ladles, water wheel, etc. to have a wild 'n wet time!

SAND PLAY

Hop in the sandbox and use "tools" such as sieves, empty spice shakers, toilet rolls, tin cans with one or two ends removed, plant pots, etc. to add to the fun.

NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT

See how many of the following items you can find: - tree bark, acorn, dead leaf, seed, bone, sand, insect, twig, dead grass, spider web, rock pine needle, clover, ladybug, and bird.

DONUT BIRDFEEDER

Welcome the birds back with a tasty treat! Sandwich a bagel between two plastic lids. Thread a string through the center, and tie a big knot at the bottom. Hang from a tree.

SCOOP BALL

Make ball scoops by cutting two or more 1-litre (or 1 quart) plastic milk jugs in half horizontally. Toss a small ball back and forth to a partner, using only the scoop to catch and throw.

PET ROCK

Create your own pet rock by collecting a few well-shaped rocks and gluing them together. When dry, paint your new creature, and add features with markers, bits of felt or fabric, pipe cleaners, etc.

SPLASHY SIDEWALK PAINTINGS

Add some color to your life! Use one of your dad's large paintbrushes (or a plant mister) to create pictures on the sidewalk, using water mixed with a little paint powder, food coloring, or Kool-Aid powder.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Janine Lynn is a parent, author, and educator. Born and raised in Alberta, she is the author of "Help! I'm Bored! - Over 300 Children's Activities for Ages 2-12". She wrote this book because she wanted all of her favorite teaching ideas collaborated into one book, ready to use for any occasion!

STORYTIME!

2009-03-04T00:02:00.000-05:00

Reading with your child is the most important time of the day (for me the evening). Reading at home is fun but sometimes a different location is nice. We are all so lucky that there are great reading places around for us to get invovled in, with our children.
I have compiled a list of great close by locations for you to check out with your little ones.

First on the list is Author Squad (which my child and I enjoy). It is located in the Northcross shopping center(I-77, exit 25, next to Panera). They offer storytime each week on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. and then again on Thursday from 3-4p.m. They also have a great store with unique gifts and a workshop for children (and adults) to make their very own book!
For more information please check out their website www.authorsquad.com

Second is Barnes and Noble in Birkdale Village. The book store holds storytime on Mondays and Saturdays at 1030a.m. During the first storytime of the month costume characters show up to meet the children. They also have an American Girl Club that is held every second Wednesday of the month at 430 p.m
Please call for more information 704-895-8855

Plan a day of shopping with your little one and let them hit Books-A-million in Concord for storytime on Monday at 1030 a.m. What a great excuse!
Located in Concord Mills for more information please call 704-979-8300

The Public Library is also a place for a great book! They have so many classes at different times from your littlest one to you, the adult.
To find the nearest location and more information please go to the website www.plcmc.org/programs/

Oprah's show last week....

2009-03-03T00:00:00.002-05:00

really disturbed me and I can not stop thinking about it....

They were showing us the faces of this recession! Most were middle class people who have lost their jobs and are living on the streets, in shelters and in tent communities. When someone loses their job and can't pay their mortgage, the home is taken by the bank. They showed what happens to the items in homes that have been foreclosed on. Most of the people just leave with maybe a suitcase, the shirt on their backs and the basic necessities. After the home is foreclosed on, a company is hired to clean out the home from top to bottom in order to get it ready to sell. So I'm thinking they donate the things to people who are needy....Nope...most of the homes items are put into dumpsters and then taken to a landfill. Of course I was very disturbed! Why aren't they donating to shelters or people in need. Well according to the company who does this job in that area, they said it happens too quickly and the places in there area are full. I find that to be an unacceptable answer. Our landfills DO NOT need to be filled with such items.

Does anyone have any solutions? or comments?

"Together we can make a difference"

What's For Supper Ya'll? Treat New Parents to 'Welcome Baby' Dinner

2009-03-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

Treat New Parents to 'Welcome Baby' Dinner
By Ame Andrews, Little Rock, Arkansas

When friends of mine had a new baby, I came up with a "Welcome to the World" dinner to deliver when they came home from the hospital.

From personal experience, I knew how difficult it can be in those first few weeks to care for a new baby and the rest of the family, plus baby yourself a bit. I didn't have time to make many home-cooked meals, and I appreciated it when someone stopped by with a tasty dish.

For my friend's theme menu, I combined several favorite recipes that were easily portable and came up with clever names for them: Special Delivery Chicken, Green Bean Bundles of Joy, Bringing Home Baby Carrots and 2 a.m. Feeding Snack Bars.

Comforting Main Dish
Special Delivery Chicken is a simple but delicious casserole that can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen. Chicken breasts are baked in a savory sour cream sauce. With a buttery crumb topping, this main dish is comforting and popular with all ages. I was quite sure my friend's toddler would love it, because mine does.

The casserole was accompanied by two vegetable dishes. For Green Bean Bundles of Joy, I used fresh green beans from our local farmer's market and tied them with bacon strips to make the "bundles." They take on a pleasantly tart taste when baked in Italian dressing.

Bringing Home Baby Carrots are cooked with honey and apple juice. The baby carrots fit my theme nicely and are so sweet and tender, just like a newborn. They couldn't be simpler to prepare.

And finally, I made 2 a.m. Feeding Snack Bars for dessert or a late-night snack when Mom or Dad gets up with the baby. It was a fitting name for these decadent triple-chocolate brownies with a candy-bar topping. They are great with a glass of milk anytime.

The brownies can be made the day before, and I cooked the rest of the food just before delivering it. The meal was ready for the table when I arrived at my friend's home in the evening. Each dish was labeled, wrapped with ribbon and placed in a baby gift bag.

I had cooked and packaged everything in disposable foil or plastic containers so the busy new mom didn't have to worry about cleaning or returning any dishes to me. The proud parents were delighted with their special dinner—and putting it together was fun for me.

I started thinking up themes when I was a kindergarten teacher, and it's become an enjoyable hobby! "Welcome to the World" is one I wanted to share because it's a unique and appreciated gift. Why not consider it the next time someone you know brings home a new bundle of joy?

Birthday Party Ideas & Tips

2009-02-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Birthday party ideas for kids, adults, and everyone in between!

By Plum Drama

Planning birthday party ideas, whether it’s for a toddler, teenager, or adult, can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of hard work. There are a lot of great birthday party ideas out there, so how do you decide which one is best for you!? We’re here to help.

We have put together what we think are the best party ideas out there. We have been in the party planning business for a long time, so we’ve seen a lot and have helped a lot of customers throw amazing parties! We hope you’ll learn from some of our experiences and get some great birthday party ideas from us.

All of our birthday party ideas are organized by the age of the person who will be celebrating his/her birthday. For each of our birthday party ideas we provide an overview of what to expect and what to plan for, so that you’ll have a quick checklist that you can refer to as you plan your special event. Next, we offer money and time saving tips and ideas that will help to make your birthday party less stressful, so that you can stop counting pennies and start joining in the festivities. Whenever possible, we try to find coupons and special web deals if there are certain items that we’ve used in the past and are willing to endorse.

We know that all birthday party ideas have a common set of ground rules that you should keep in mind as you plan your parties.

Rule #1: Start planning early.

Part of the stress of party planning comes when you try to do everything at the last minute. Our biggest piece of advice if you’re starting to plan a birthday party is to start early. After all, you know the date of the party, right?! So, what’s the excuse in procrastinating? Start the planning process at least a few weeks ahead of the big day. This will allow you time to get your party date on the calendars of the people who you really want to invite. It will also allow you time to buy and/or order any party supplies that will help to make your birthday party that much more memorable.

Rule #2: It helps to have a theme.

Many birthday party ideas start with a theme, like your child’s favorite character (Dora the Explorer) or an experiential theme if it’s an adult birthday party idea (such as, “Tropical Paradise”). Having a theme to your birthday party creates unity among all the elements that you’ll be incorporating into the event, which then helps to make the entire day feel like a grand event that the guests will remember forever.

Rule #3: Invite guests who are coming to have a good time.

This rule sounds a bit harsh, but we all have friends who can turn even the brightest, happiest moments into Debbie Downer moments. While it’s fine to invite these “less-than-energetic” folks to your event, make sure you balance it with your friends who are more high-energy and are there to have a GREAT time. We also have friends who could have fun doing nothing at all because of their cheery disposition and positive outlooks. Make sure they’re coming to the party too!

Rule #4: Remember to have fun.

Oftentimes, everyone at the birthday party has a great time EXCEPT for the person who organized and spent all the time to get the party together. Don’t let that be YOU! Start the planning process early, so you don’t stress too close to the event date, and assign tasks on the day of the party. This will allow you to free up some of your time and get some enjoyment out of the event that you worked so hard to create.

Rule #5: Focus on the big picture.

Many hosts make the mistake of perfecting every little detail to their event. This is another surefire way to guarantee your own misery at the party you’ve worked hard to throw for someone. Keep in mind that NOTHING ever goes EXACTLY as planned, so learn to roll with the punches on the day of your birthday party. Don’t focus on the tiny details that no one will care about or notice. As long as there are guests, food, and (maybe) a cake, trust me…the rest will take care of itself.

Revolution 2009

2009-02-26T07:52:00.007-05:00

Check out one of our Divas in action!

Diva Jessica, AKA "Fitness Diva", with the help of several other dedicated YMCA Cycling Instructors, staff, and volunteers put together Revolution 2009!

Revolution 2009 was a four-hour cycling challenge! Riders participated individually, or in teams of two, three or four. Roadies were welcome to bring and ride their trainers if they prefer! There was replenishment, door prizes, great music, and more throughout the ride! All participants received a t-shirt and awesome goody bag! And of course a post-ride celebration!

It took place last Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the Lake Norman YMCA in the gymnasium.

All money raised went directly towards Community Outreach at the Lake Norman YMCA. Programs and services provided by the Lake Norman YMCA impact the lives of children and families in our communities most fragile neighborhoods. Your contribution makes it possible for the YMCA to be a leader in community development. Funds raised through our campaign enable us to provide After-school and Teen programs, English as a Second Language classes, Active Older Adults health and wellness programs and summer literacy program. Most importantly every dollar raised through our outreach efforts stay in right here in our community.

We are very proud to see one of our Divas making a difference in our community!!

Eco-Friendly Toys

2009-02-24T00:00:00.006-05:00

When buying toys, I am always questioning if they are safe or not! With the lead scares and most of our toys being shipped in from over seas, you just never know. I have been looking for safe eco-friendly alternatives. Here is a great website with a variety of choices: http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/safe-green-toys

If you have any additional toys you'd like to share, we'd love to check them out~

What's For Supper Ya'll? Manhattan Crab Chowder

2009-02-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Manhattan Crab Chowder

By The Food Network

Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup finely diced onion
1 cup finely diced cored fennel bulb, plus 2 tablespoons chopped fronds, divided
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups precooked diced potatoes (see Tip)
2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
1 pound pasteurized crabmeat, drained if necessary

Directions
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, fennel bulb, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are just starting to brown, 6 to 8 minutes.

Add broth, water and potatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, crab and fennel fronds. Return to a boil, stirring often; immediately remove from heat.

We call for convenient canned crushed tomatoes, but you only need 2 cups; store leftover tomatoes in an airtight container for 1 week in the refrigerator or months in the freezer. Note: Look for precooked diced potatoes in the refrigerated section of most supermarket produce departments—near other fresh, prepared vegetables.

A Great Resource: 1001 Creative Ideas For Fun Parties

2009-02-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

Even the most creative divas need a little help sometimes in planning parties! I picked up this great book many years ago "The Best Party Book 1001 Creative Ideas For Fun Parties" by Penny Warner.

This book gives you ideas for almost any occassion! For example, it discusses party tips for:

Wedding Showers,

Baby Showers,

Birthday Parties,

Anniversaries,

Graduation,

Retirement,

Comings and Goings Parties,

Reunions, Christmas,

Hanukkah,

New Year's,

Valentine's Day,

St. Patrick's Day,

Cinco de Mayo,

Fourth of July,

Halloween and so many others!

The book gives you a checklist and helps you plan a theme, guest list, menu and games and activities. It even talks about creative party invitations, party mood and atmosphere.

If you're in a party rut or simply want new inspiration, check out this book today!

What a wonderful event!!

2009-02-19T00:00:00.001-05:00

To be part of a fundraiser is such a great way to give back to the community. The Cookies For A Cause/Ace and TJs Grinn Kids Foundation proved to be a great success! It was wonderful to get the opportunity to meet some of the Grinn Kid Families and the founders of the foundation too! We had a lot of traffic and raised a lot of money that will help support the Grinn Kid families travels! Thank you to all the donating cookies from BJs, Polk A Dot Bakery and Otis Spunkmeyer. The cookies were very yummy!!

"Together we are making a difference one morsel at a time!"

Divas everywhere

2009-02-18T00:30:00.003-05:00

Do you have an excellent appetizer recipe? One that every time you bring it to an occasion somebody is asking for the recipe. Well if you do, we at The Divas in the Kitchen are doing just that, asking for it. We are collecting yummy appetizer recipes for our Annual Appetizer Diva cookbook. If you have a recipe and are willing to share or you know of someone that has a great one, please email us at sarahkillen@bellsouth.net . We would love to put it in this years appetizer cookbook and share it with others.

Spring into Diva Wear!

2009-02-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

We are proud to introduce our latest creation - Diva Wear! As chapters are sprouting up all over the country, we thought it was time to show our Diva Spirit!

Short Sleeve T-Shirt $20

Long Sleeve T-Shirt $25

Baseball Cap $18

Taking Preorders Now! Simply email us at thedivasinthekitchen@gmail.com . Remember to tell us what size you need!

7 Superfoods to Eat for a Health Boost

2009-02-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Here are 7 healthy foods you should include in your diet! Enjoy.

1. Spinach- low in calories and high in nutrients. Research has shown that spinach aids in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, some cancers and cardiovascular disease.
2. Walnuts- excellent source of protein, fiber and vitamin E. Walnuts are the only nuts that contain a significant amount of omega-3s, and are known for their high antioxidant activity. Eat them by the handful or toss them on salads.
3. Honey- acts as an antioxidant- a substance that can prevent the effects of free radicals, which we're exposed to from environmental toxins such as tobacco smoke or radiation and which can contribute to disease. Honey also contains oligosaccharides, which increase the number of good bacteria in the colon. The color of honey is relevant: the darker the honey the more antioxidants it contains.
4. Salmon- is a tasty fish that's chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial fats that can improve heart health. Salmon is also protein-rich. Choose wild over farmed salmon, which has been shown to contain elevated levels of contaminants and is artificially colored.
5. Oats- The fiber in oats lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, or the bad type of cholesterol. With every 1 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol, heart-disease risk is lowered 1 to 3 percent. Oats also contain plant chemicals that have antioxidant properties.
6. Dark Chocolate- The good news: Dark chocolate is a potent antioxidant and can help reduce blood pressure. The potentially bad news: You should still keep your daily chocolate intake low, due to the fat and calories. Remember that darker is better because processing strips chocolate of some of its health benefits.
7. Blueberries- Sweet blueberries don't just make your smoothies and cereal taste better; they contain high levels of antioxidants. Some research has shown blueberries can slow degenerative diseases associated with aging and improve motor skills. Still other studies have shown the fruit to improve urinary tract health.

What's For Supper Ya'll? Mini Crabcakes!

2009-02-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

Mini Crabcakes

By Family Fun

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
1/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs (available in the ethnic foods section of large supermarkets)
1 pound lump crabmeat, shell pieces removed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more as needed
Lemon wedges

1. Mix the bell pepper, parsley, scallions, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the bread crumbs and crabmeat, and toss gently to mix.

2. Divide the crab mixture into 12 equal portions (about 1/4 cup each) and shape each into a 1-inch-thick patty.

3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crab cakes to the skillet and cook until they're golden on both sides, adding more oil as needed. Cook about 3 minutes per side.

Serve warm with lemon wedges. Makes 12.

Just A Reminder: COOKIES FOR A CAUSE-ACE AND TJ'S GRIN KIDS

2009-02-12T00:00:00.001-05:00

Together Cookies For A Cause and Ace and TJ's Grin Kids are celebrating! Come join all the fun and load up on some yummy cookies.

COOKIES FOR A CAUSE

A SWEET FUNDRAISER TO CELEBRATE

A DECADE OF MAGIC FOR ACE AND TJ'S GRIN KIDS

Date: Feb 14th

Time: 11-3

Place: Concord Mills.

$10 buys you a bag to load up with cookies. Over 25 of the grin kids and their families will be there to inform the crowd about their favorite charities.

To learn more, please visit http://www.grinkids.org/events/134/

"Together we are making a difference"

Valentines wreath

2009-02-11T02:00:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day color Construction Paper (Red, White, Pink, Purple...)
Paper Plate
Scissors
Glue
Heart Pattern
String or Yarn for hanging

1. Cut a lot of small hearts of different sizes from the color or colors of construction paper of your choice.
2. Cut out the middle of a paper plate, leaving the rim.
3. Glue your hearts all around the paper plate to form your wreath.
4. You can tie a ribbon on it if you wish, or hang string to the back to hang from a nail or hook.

Thank you to allcraft for this great idea.

A New Way to Drink Coffee

2009-02-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Many of us love our morning coffee! I actually just started drinking coffee after my second baby was born and now I am hooked. I love to take my coffee with me or get it while I am out but I do not like to use paper cups as it is not GREEN! :)

I am always looking for new cups and I think I have found a favorite! It is by a company called Lizzie Lane Originals! Super cute and reasonably priced. Plus my favorite part is the interchangeable fabric. I love that I can change it out and make it feel like a new cup! Most importantly the tumbler is stainless steel which eliminates polyethylene, a plastic that can be absorbed by your body, and waste that ends up in a landfill.

Cute, Eco-Friendly and Affordable!! Check them out.....plus there many other fabulous gifts at http://www.lizzielaneoriginals.com/store/Default.asp

What's For Supper Ya'll? Spicy Tilapia with Pineapple-Pepper Relish

2009-02-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Spicy Tilapia with Pineapple-Pepper Relish

By Cooking Light

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 1 fillet, about 1/2 cup relish, and 1 lime wedge)

Ingredients
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh pineapple chunks
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped plum tomato
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
4 lime wedges

Preparation
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Combine Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle fish evenly with spice mixture. Add fish to pan, and cook for 2 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness.

Combine pineapple and next 5 ingredients (through jalapeño) in a large bowl, stirring gently. Serve pineapple mixture with fish. Garnish with lime wedges.

Nutritional Information
Calories:
228 (22% from fat)
Fat:
5.5g (sat 1.2g,mono 2.2g,poly 1.4g)
Protein:
34.9g
Carbohydrate:
11.2g
Fiber:
1.5g
Cholesterol:
85mg
Iron:
1.2mg
Sodium:
328mg
Calcium:
29mg

Kate Washington, Cooking Light, APRIL 2007

Money Saving Party Ideas

2009-02-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Money Saving Party Ideas

Plan a Party that Fits in Your Budget
By Donna Pilato, About.com

We have all experienced those times when we want to have a party but finances are tight. As you begin to create your guest list, you become excited about the prospect of entertaining. Thinking about the things you'll have to buy to pull off this party, the excitement comes to an abrupt halt. There are invitations, paper goods, decorations, food, drinks, the list becomes a deal breaker. But it doesn't have to if you reconsider your approach to this party. There are many things you can do to keep your party budget under control.

Set a Budget

Don't even begin to plan your party before you decide on your budget. Decide how much money you can afford to spend on your party - then stick to it. The total budget will help you decide on the style of party you can host, and will protect you from that after-party budget hangover.

Don't Mail Invitations

Send email invitations instead. Besides saving on the expense of a purchased invitation card, with the cost of postage seemingly increasing every other month, it makes good sense to turn to electronic invitations for all but the most formal events. The added benefit of using online invitation sites is that they will help you to manage your responses.

Good Riddance to Disposables

Even the least expensive paper plates, cups, and plastic cutlery will quickly add up. You can save on that expense by using your regular dinnerware, flatware, and glassware. Don't be afraid to mix and match if you don't have enough pieces in one set to serve all of your guests. Eclectic tables can be very stylish as long as you put pieces together with a little thought. Still don't have enough pieces? Ask your best friend if you can borrow some dinnerware or flatware, and you can return the favor someday. Not only will this save on expenses, it's also good for the environment.
Choose a Little Less Convenience for the Produce

It's tempting to pick up those little packages of pre-washed, pre-cut fruits and veggies, but they come at a price. Buy your produce in bulk and prep it yourself to save on your party grocery bill. It usually lasts longer, and stays fresher if you wash and cut your produce closer to the party date. And while we're on the subject of produce, always choose produce that is in-season for your area. That's where you'll find the best deals.
Pasta, Rice and Potatoes - The Sneaky Three Dollar Stretchers
Traditionally these three starches have been the keys to stretching a dollar. Salads, side dishes, and casseroles made with these ingredients will be budget-friendly. And who doesn't love a tray of baked ziti or scoop of potato salad?

Make It a Community Party

No one minds being asked to contribute a dish to your casual party. It's not as though you've asked them to be the host! With that basic concept in mind, you can organize a:

Potluck Party
Block Party
Progressive Dinner

BYOB or Other Beverage Cost Saving Tricks

For a casual party, it's very common for hosts to tell their guests that soft drinks will be provided, but guests can feel free to bring any liquor of their choosing. If you're not comfortable doing that, you can save on alcohol expenses by purchasing wine, champagne or beer by the case. Or consider making a seasonal punch as your economical, alcoholic beverage for the party.

Affordable Themes

By hosting a party with a theme, you can easily mask the underlying economy of your food. Themes make it fun, and you can add to the ambience with music (borrowed from a collector friend if you don't have the appropriate selections). Here are several affordable party themes:

Make Your Own Tacos
Pizza Party
Desserts Only
Italian Pasta Night
Ice Cream Sunday

Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen Fundraiser

2009-02-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

Here is some updated info about the Angels and Sparrows fundraiser:

1st Annual Angels and Sparrows Soup Throwdown

Date: Sat, Feb 7th
Time: 11:00-1:00
Place: Angels and Sparrows (115 in Huntersville behind New Friendship Church) corner of Ramah and 115

3 local chefs will be making gourmet soup and competing to win the 1st annual Soup throw down! Chefs from Dressler's, Northstone Country Club, and Sysco foods will be making soup.

3 gourmet soups will be served along with bread, drink, and dessert

$5: large bowl of one soup served with bread, drink, and dessert
$10: 3 small bowls of soup served with bread, drink, and dessert.
This option entitles you to vote for the best chef
This fundraiser will be a lot of fun!
Come see the soup kitchen and have some delicious soup at the same time! Tell your friends...

"Together We Can Make A Difference"

MORE TIPS!!!

2009-02-04T00:30:00.000-05:00

Coffee
No need to buy plant food anymore. Use your brewed coffee grounds: a solution of one part coffee and four parts cool water. Pour it on your plant's roots once a week. It makes a great homemade plant food. It works! I have been using it for years.

No More Ink Stains
The next time you or your children get an ink stain on clothing, spray the ink mark with hairspray. The ink comes right out.

Wine Lover

Freeze leftover wine in ice-cube trays and put the frozen cubes in freezer bags. When you need wine for sauces or casseroles, just pop in a cube or two. You can also make a quick, refreshing wine spritzer with a little soda water. Or, add wine cubes to your favorite party punch for a little pizzazz at your adult party!

Smells Great!

Put paper perfume samples into your shredder and add the shredded pieces to your gift boxes for a pleasantly fresh-smelling gift package.

Lead Testing

2009-02-03T00:00:00.002-05:00

Yes we want to keep our children safe and free from too much lead....but...its confusing!

There has been much discussion and somewhat of an uproar about this new law going into effect and how it will effect small businesses and second hand stores.

February 10th the new law goes into effect! All products used by children under the age of 12 must be tested and meet the new standard of only 600ppm (parts per million) and one year from now it will be 300ppm.

Here is a little bit of information I took off the US CPSC website:

Relevant Definitions
Consumer Product –any article, produced or distributed (i) for sale to a consumer for use or (ii) for the personal use, consumption or enjoyment of a consumer in or around a permanent or temporary household or residence, a school, in recreation, or otherwise
Children’s Product –consumer product designed or intended primarily for children 12 years of age or younger

Phthalates Definitions
Children’s Toy –consumer product designed or intended by the manufacturer for a child 12 years of age or younger for use by the child when the child plays
Child Care Article –consumer product designed or intended by the manufacturer to facilitate sleep or the feeding of children age 3 and younger, or to help such children with sucking or teething

For more information please visit the official website: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html#whatsnew

If you have a small business like I do....it is very confusing as to what has to be done by when. Share any comments or questions you might have about this issue!

Operation No Kid Hungry

2009-02-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

Share Our Strength has launched a brand new campaign to raise funds to help end childhood hunger.

"OperationNo Kid Hungry" responds to President Obama's call to action to endchildhood hunger by 2015.

Share Our Strength has partnered with AT&T to offer two great ways that you can support and participate in "Operation No Kid Hungry":

1. Donate by text: Text "SHARE" to 20222 on your mobile device to donate$5. AT&T will match all text donations up to $100,000. Help us meet this challenge grant!

Find out more athttp://strength.org/get_involved/text_donation/

2. Collect Food Donations: Now through January 31st, help feed those in need by donating food to your local food bank.

Visit http://strength.org/ to find a food bank and a list of the most needed nutritious foods.

For more information about "Operation No Kid Hungry" and how you can helpend childhood hunger, visit Share Our Strength's website:http://strength.org/.

There are also more ways you can help get the word out, including bannersfor your blog and social networking pages here:http://strength.org/get_involved/spread_the_word/

Super Bowl Party Ideas For The Family

2009-01-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

Super Bowl Party Ideas For the Family
By Ehow.com

Step 1

Send out invitations to the kids and families that you want to invite to the party. You can create your own invitations by printing a clip art image of a football onto brown card stock paper and writing the details of the party on the front of football.

Step2

Decorate the snack table with a tailgate theme. Place a blanket over your table and decorate with small footballs and plates, napkins, and utensils that represent the colors of the teams playing in the Super Bowl.

Step3

Provide a huge drink container (like that used to throw on the winning coach at the end of the game) filled with lemonade or some other cold drink. Set out plastic cups and let kids have fun getting their own drinks during the party.

Step4

Make hot dogs ahead of time and wrap them individually in aluminum foil, just like they do at the concession stands in stadiums. Put out some condiments, chopped onions, and relish for kids to add to their hot dogs. You can also make French fries and place them in paper cups, just like a real concession stand. Don't forget to put out potato chips, dips, and pretzels.

Step5

For dessert, make up a batch of cupcakes. Use green food coloring to color white icing. Pipe on the green icing, then use white icing to make lines and draw numbers on the cupcakes. Use small candy pieces for footballs.

Step6

Since kids are usually not interested in watching the entire game, plan some activities that they can do. One idea is to play a "Super Bowl Commercial Scavenger Hunt" game. The commercials are often the best part of the game. Before the party, write down the types of commercials typically shown during the Super Bowl, such as soda, fast food, and car commercials. Give children the list and have them cross off the commercials as they come on. You can also let the kids vote on their favorite commercials and have different categories, such as funniest, most creative or worst.

Step7

Another fun game to play for kids and adults is "The Secret Word" game. Pick a word that your guests are not allowed to say while the game is on. This could be the name of the opposing team or the word touchdown. Give each guest five football stickers and each time they hear someone say the secret word, they can take a sticker away. The person with the most stickers at the end of the game wins. Prizes can include pom poms or a football.

Pantene Beautiful Lengths

2009-01-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

Did you know that is takes 6, 8 inch ponytails, yes 6 pontails to make 1 wig??

My sister just donated her hair after growing it for months! What a great life changing event to be a part of for another women!

When you make a Pantene hair donation to Beautiful Lengths, you are contributing your hair to women who have lost their hair during their battle with cancer.

The Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths campaign collects hair donations from throughout the United States and Canada. The hair collected is turned into wigs and distributed FREE to women suffering from the loss of their hair due to the effects of chemotherapy needed to fight the cancer that is ravaging their bodies.
The hair collected by Pantene is crafted into beautiful natural hair wigs. Working in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, The Entertainment Industry Foundation and Hair U Wear, the wigs are given to women battling this terrible disease through one of the American Cancer Society’s many wig banks.
The average price of a well made human hair wig is approximately $1,200 and most insurance companies cover only a small percentage of the cost, if anything at all.

For many of the women receiving a wig from the Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths campaign, the chances of having a well made human hair wig seemed impossible as the illness often causes finances to be exhausted.

If you are interested in finding out more about the hair requirments and/or finding out how to put together a Cutting Event, please visit http://charity.lovetoknow.com/Pantene_Hair_Donation

Together, we are making a difference!

great tips for you!

2009-01-28T00:02:00.000-05:00

Spotless Microwave
The best way I have found to clean a microwave oven is to put a large measuring cup filled with water inside and let it come to a close boil. The steam loosens any particles left behind, and all you have to do is grab a paper towel and wipe it clean. Works like a charm!

Easy Tick Removal

Here's an easy way to remove ticks, especially if you're dealing with a wiggly child or pet, or cannot reach it easily with tweezers. Apply a generous amount of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and hold it there for 15-20 seconds. The tick will come out on its own and will be sticking to the cotton ball when you remove it. It works every time, and no trauma!

Peanut Butter

2009-01-27T00:00:00.001-05:00

Organic or Not....Stop using peanut butter!

Major national brands of jarred peanut butter found in grocery stores are not affected by the PCA recall.

FDA and CDC recommendations for consumers include:

*Do not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them.
*To determine if commercially-prepared or manufactured peanut butter/peanut paste-containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) are subject to recall, consumers are urged first to visit FDA’s website and check the searchable database of recalled products.
*For information on products containing peanut butter from companies not reporting recalls, consumers may wish to consult the company’s website or call the toll-free number listed on most packaging. Information consumers may receive from the companies has not been verified by the FDA.
*If consumers cannot determine if their peanut butter, peanut butter/peanut paste-containing products or institutionally-served peanut butter contains PCA peanut butter/peanut paste, FDA recommends that they do not consume those products.
*Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to consult their health care providers.

For more details, please visit http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html

What's For Supper Ya'll? Baked Tilapia with White Wine & Herbs

2009-01-26T00:01:00.001-05:00

Baked Tilapia with White Wine & Herbs

2 fresh Tilapia fillets, approximately 8-10oz each
150ml (1/4pint) medium white wine
1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 tablespoons freshly chopped mixed herbs
6 salad onions, diagonally sliced
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2oz butter
1 teaspoon cornflour, blended with a little cold water
2 tablespoons creme fraiche

Arrange the Tilapia side by side in a lightly oiled roasting tin or ovenproof dish.
Pour over the wine, then sprinkle over the chopped garlic, most of the herbs, the salad onions and seasoning to taste. Place half the butter on each fish.

Cover with a sheet of lightly oiled foil, seal in the fish then bake in a preheated oven 350F, for 30-35 minutes.

Transfer the Tilapia to a serving dish and keep warm. Pour the juices into a pan, stir in the blended cornflour and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the creme fraiche, pour over and serve immediately, sprinkled with the remaining herbs.

Cooking Time: Approximately 35 minutes Serves: 2

Recipe from American Tilapia Association

Treats from the Kitchen

2009-01-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Tip of the Day: Packing Baked Goods To-Go

By Sarah Meyer Walsh

When giving loved ones baked goods as gifts, I like to make sure the packaging is just as beautiful as the food is delicious.

One of my favorite sources for wrapping up loves of lemon pound cake or banana bread with chocolate chips are the Wooden Gift Baskets from The Bakers Catalogue.

They are practical and super cute with just a plain grosgrain ribbon running along the outside. AND the best part… They are oven-safe - so pour the batter right into the liners and when they come out of the oven just wrap and give to your sweetie!

Other packaging items to try are:

BAKE AND GIVE PANS

Bake-and-give pans are a festive way to give a gift from the heart: baked treats.

8” ring pans are 2 ¼” tall.
Perfect for fruitcakes, pound cakes, coffeecakes, holiday sweet breads, and more.
Bakeable, food-safe stiff coated paper pans are free-standing.
Simply bake, cool, add an overwrap, a bow, and you’re good to go.
Set of 12 pans.
Twine and accent band not included.
Oven-safe to 390°F.

BAKEABLE S TAR PANS

Make your holiday treats the “star” of the table!
Bakeable, food-safe stiff coated paper pan holds the equivalent of an 8” round pan.
Ideal for brownies, bars, buns, coffeecake, or the sweet of your choice.
9” x 2 3/8”.
Set of 6 giveaway pans.
Oven-safe to 390°F.

Enjoy!

Aunt B's Angel Cookie Company

2009-01-22T01:31:00.000-05:00

I was honored today to receive an email from the owner of Aunt B's Angel Cookie Company. By word of mouth, Terri Rowe heard of The Divas In The Kitchen and is eager to start her chapter in Frederick Maryland.

Please check out Terri's website at http://www.auntbsangelcookies.com/index.htm and see how she is making a difference in the lives of others!!

The inspiration behind Aunt B’s Angel Cookies is to honor the
spirit of generosity and the love of charity.

Just who is Aunt B?

She is a daughter, a sister, a mother, an aunt, a Nanny, a friend.
She is understanding. She is kindness. She is caring
She is everything she believes we can be.
She is LOVE.

Aunt B’s Angel Cookies are presented in loving memory of
Beverly Carter
and to continue the legacy of unconditional love that
she shared with everyone she touched.

With that inspiration, Aunt B’s donates a portion
of it’s profits to Hope Alive, Inc. A “Haven for Hope” for
homeless women and children.

How to make a picture board

2009-01-21T07:37:00.011-05:00

I thought I'd share the instructions on how to make a photo board because it, really is super easy and I think it's a great project because it's pretty and very useful.

Supplies:

1. cut piece of light plywood or MDF board1/2 yard/meter of fabric or more depending on your board size. You want enough to wrap about 2 inches around back. 1/2 yard/meter or more of light quilt batting 4 yards/meters of ribbon of choice. I recommend something a little stronger so it doesn't give out under the tacks, 1 pack of upholstery tacks

*Tools Needed: Saw to cut the wood, Pencil, Ruler, Drill and large drill bit, Iron, Staple gun, Scissors, Hammer

Instructions:

1. Decide how big you want your board and cut wood to size.

2. Decide if board will hang portrait style or landscape. On the top edge use the ruler to find your mid point, and about 1 1/2 inches down from the edge make a mark. This will be where the board will hang on the wall from the nail.

3.Use the drill to drill a hole at your mark.

4. Iron fabric nice and smooth.

5. Lay fabric on a large surface right side (that's the good side, or the side with the print) down on the surface.

6. Center the quilt batting on the fabric.

7. Center the board on the fabric and quilt batting.

8. Time to staple! NOW, this is very important...to get the board equally smooth, you want to pick a side as your start point. Pull the fabric and batting fairly tight and staple it to the board. Go to the side directly opposite and do the same. Do the third side, and then the fourth. You should have one staple in each side's center.

9. Continue to pull and staple around the board, working out from the first staples you put in. Don't forget to keep moving around the board!

10. Turn the board over. Good work so far, but you're not quite done yet.

11. Time to place the ribbons. Decide roughly where you want your ribbons to go and how far you want them spaced. Starting with the longest pieces cut ribbon to size, making sure you have about 2 inches of ribbon on each end to wrap around the board back, and lay them on the board on the diagonal. Do this for all of your pieces. This is just to get a visual.

12. Set all your ribbon aside, but in an organized fashion!

13. Starting with the longest piece(s), lay the ribbon on the board. Hold each end in place and flip the board over, then place face down on your surface. Tack down one end with staple gun. Pull other end taught and staple down. Do this for all of your ribbons working out from largest to smallest.

14. Turn the board over so it's right side up again. Your ribbons should be criss crossing over the board.

15. At each ribbon intersect you want to hammer in an upholstery tack. This will tighten the ribbon even more and make it so your pictures won't slide out.

16. TA DA! You now have a beautiful photo board! Good job.*If you don't want to use upholstery tacks you could use some short nails and then glue gun whatever you wanted, like buttons over the nail. You would just need to flatten the nails on the back of the board so they don't rip your wall apart. I hope you have fun with this. We would love to see pictures of any boards that people make. I know I don't have exact measurements for things so it might be a bit hard for people that like that, but it's just the way my brain works - nothing really exact, just sort of feel it through. Happy Crafting!

Green in the Bathroom

2009-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

How to Go Green: In the Bathroom
[compliments of Planet Green]

The bathroom is the room where we begin and end each day, with a variety of cleaning routines designed to help keep us healthy. Odd then, that the room in which we clean our teeth, our skin and the rest of our bodies (not to mention dispose of our waste) is often filled with toxic chemicals, and, even then, not very clean itself. So, how do you stay clean, promote good health, and go green in your bathroom?
As with many sustainable lifestyle subjects, when it comes to going green in the bathroom, one hand washes the other. Eschewing excessive water use -- and thousands of gallons of wasted water -- avoiding a deluge of disposable trash, and a myriad of toxic cleaners supposed to make the room "safe" for your use, all can come from a few simple steps that combine to help you live greener in the bathroom.
So, to make your bathroom a greener place, we've compiled a bevy of tips to help clear the air, go with the low-flow, and keep the toxics out of your way. Changing up your habits and greening your bathroom will help make the planet greener, your home healthier, and your personal health more robust.
Check out http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/bathrooms/top-bathrooms-tips.html to learn about the 10 Tips listed below!

Don't Let So Much Water Go Down The Drain
Flush the Toilet with Care
Ditch Those Disposables
Think About What Goes in Your Sink
Clear the Air with Green Cleaners
Take Green Cleaning into Your Own Hands
Keep Your Skin Free and Clear with Green Personal Care Products
Go Green with Towels and Linens
Shower Yourself with a Safe Curtain
Maintain Your New Green Ways

What's For Supper Ya'll? Chicken with Champagne - ooh la la!

2009-01-19T00:01:00.001-05:00

Chicken with Champagne

By Southernfood.about.com

Feel free to use dry white wine in this recipe if you don't have the Champagne.

INGREDIENTS:
4 boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 green onions thinly sliced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup Champagne or dry white wine
1/4 cup pecan pieces, optional
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

PREPARATION:
Wash chicken pieces; pat dry with paper towels.
Combine flour, Creole seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a food storage bag. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat lightly.

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine butter with olive oil. Add chicken pieces and brown lightly on both sides. Add green onions and cook for 1 minute longer. Add champagne and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Simmer briskly, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until chicken is tender.

Meanwhile, toast pecans for 2 to 3 minutes in a small dry skillet over medium heat; set aside. Add cream to the chicken and cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes longer. Add parsley and salt and pepper, to taste. Serve chicken with the sauce and sprinkle with about 1 tablespoon of toasted pecan pieces, if using.

Serves 4.

2009-01-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

The Perfect Cup 0f Coffee

By ezinarticles.com

Few quests in human history have so captivated men and women from around the world than the search for the perfect cup of coffee. Yes, believe it or not, coffee connoisseurs have dedicated entire lifetimes in the pursuit of finding that one cup of the most heavenly coffee ever made. If you're like most people, however, you're just looking for an easy way to make a great-tasting cup of coffee to help get you started in the morning. The following 10 Timeless Tips to a Perfect Cup of Coffee should help you on you your mini-quest.

1. You Get What You Pay For
When it comes to coffee makers, quality counts. If you buy the cheapest coffee maker on the market, chances are you'll end up with an equally "discounted" flavor in your cup. To assure yourself of great tasting coffee day after day, check out the Bunn, Cuisinart, Mr. Coffee, Krups, and Senseo brands. Alternatively, check out a French press. For that personal cup of coffee, you can never go wrong with a French press!

2. Clean as a Whistle
You wouldn't cook your favorite entrée in a dirty pan, would you? So, why are so many people surprised by how bad their homemade coffee tastes when they use the same coffee pot every day out without ever cleaning it? Try baking soda and water for great cleanse after every pot you make.

3. It's All in the Bean
If you aren't grinding your own coffee, where have you bean? The best tasting coffees come from freshly ground, top quality beans. You can savor the flavor of gourmet barista-style coffees right in your own home by simply grinding up small batches of your own brew. To top off the perfect cup, you'll want to use Arabica beans-simply the best in the world! Store your beans and ground coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dark place at a temperature between 50º and 70º F.

4. Roasted and Toasted-Making the "Most-est" Flavor
Once you've decided upon the highest quality beans, you'll want to consider how you like your beans roasted. Roasting releases the flavor of the bean and helps determine whether your coffee is mellow, rich, or smooth. Experiment with a variety of roasts and choose which one you like best!

5. Grind It Up
Despite the fact that many store-bought coffees say "For All Coffeemakers," selecting the right grind for your coffee maker is key to crafting that perfect cup. A general guideline for grinds includes:
· Automatic drip: medium grind· Plunger or French press: coarse grind · Percolator: coarser grind · Espresso maker: fine grind

6. What's in Your Water?
When it comes to coffee, fresh is the name of the game and, believe it or not, fresh water will make a world of difference in every cup. Think about it: Since your coffee is 99% water, you'll want to make sure you choose the best tasting water you can find. Bottled, distilled, or purified water seems to do the trick for H2O-conscious countless coffee connoisseurs.

7. Measure It
To assure yourself of perfection every time, you'll want to make sure you spoon out the correct amount of coffee grinds. Of course, your personal taste preference should be the ultimate judge, but a general rule of thumb is 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of water.

8. Bling, Bling in Your Coffee?
While we're not talking diamonds or platinum, using gold (or stainless steel) mesh filters in your coffee maker will go a long way toward keeping your cup of coffee tasting great. Many paper filters release bleaches, chlorine, and dyes that can leave you with a bitter cup of coffee. If you must use paper, go with unbleached filters for the best results.

9. Brew It Up Right
A key to great tasting coffee every time is making sure your water is "off the boil"-a fancy term that simply means "not quite to boiling." To achieve this water temperature, bring your water to a boil and then let it cool down for few moments (195-205° F) and you'll assure yourself of a perfect cup every time.

10. Drink It Down in Style
Drink your freshly brewed, gourmet coffee in a glass or porcelain mug. Unless you like the bitter taste, avoid reheating your coffee in either the microwave or on the stove.
If you keep brewing with these ten timeless tips in mind, you're sure to find your cup runneth over with great tasting coffee every time!

Quick Grocery Store Guide

2009-01-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

What do I buy? What don't I buy? Organic that is......

Choose Organice for these items especially for infants and children.

Here is an easy list for you to keep in your purse and eventually memorize~

Apples, Cherries, Imported Grapes, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Strawberries

Bell Peppers, Celery, Lettuce, Potatoes, Spinach

What's For Supper Ya'll? Gumbo!

2009-01-12T00:01:00.001-05:00

Chicken, Sausage, and Shrimp Gumbo

1/3 cup + 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 cup all purpose flour

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 garlic cloves, pressed

1 green pepper, chopped

1 medium sized onion, chopped

2 cans (14.5 oz.) chicken broth

1 can (14.5 oz) beef broth

1 lb. boneless,skinless chicken thighs

1/2 lb. chorizo sausage, cut into 1/4-inch rounds

1/2 cup loosely packed parsley leaves, chopped

1 Tablespoon minced fresh thyme

1 Tablespoon minced fresh sage leaves

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

1 lb. medium shrimp, shelled & deveined

1 cup long grain rice, cooked as directed on the package

Insturctions:
In a large soup pot, heat oil over med-low heat. Gradually stir in flour, and cook, stirring, until mixture is dark brown ~ about 15 minutes.

Mix the broth in slowly and blend until smooth. At the same time you start the roux start to cook the vegetables: In a non-stick skillet, over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil and heat until hot. Add celery, garlic, green pepper, and onion and cook until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

To the roux-thickened broth add the stewed tomatoes, chicken, chorizo, herbs, salt, black pepper and the vegetables. Add 4 cups of dark beer or water and heat to boiling.

Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered for 40 minutes. Skim off any fat that comes to the surface. Add the shrimp and cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until the shrimp turn opaque.

What Can I Bring?

2009-01-09T00:01:00.002-05:00

I found this great cookbook written by Anne Byrn. These recipes are great when you're trying to find something new and easy to bring to a gathering!

You'll never be stumped for potluck ideas when you have this handy cookbook around. It features more than 200 easy-to-tote dishes for any get-together from family reunion picnics to church suppers, along with tips for transporting and making big batches. You'll discover finger foods, hot and cold soups, salads, party main dishes, desserts, and a full chapter of loaves and other gifts from the kitchen. Each recipe includes Tote Notes (how best to transport the dish), Big Batch (how to multiply the recipe), and When You Arrive (adding finishing touches). The cookbook also includes super-quick "Grab & Gos" for each section and etiquette tips for working in someone else's kitchen.

Recipes include:
Asian Summer Rolls with a Trio of Sauces
White Corn Salad with Fresh Thyme
Oven-Barbecued Beef Brisket
Southern-Style Pulled Pork
Parmesan Chicken Rolls
Peach and Blueberry Crisp
German Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Sour Cherry Bread
Sun-Cooked Peach Preserves
and many more

Enjoy!

Soup Throwdown!

2009-01-07T20:25:00.007-05:00

Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen Fundraiser

1st Annual Soup Throwdown

Set for February 7th!

3 local chefs will be cooking up their best soup. Come enjoy the soup and vote on your favoriteFeb 7th, 11:00-1:00 at Angels and Sparrows in Huntersville (behind New Friendship Church on corner of 115 and Ramah Church Rd)Meal includes soup, bread, drink, and dessert.

Togehter We Are Making A Difference!

2009!!!

2009-01-07T09:07:00.005-05:00

What is it about January? As soon as the ball drops, your mind immediately turns to all the stuff you’re absolutely going to do this year. The thing is, they’re usually the same promises you made last year. Forget it been-there, tried-that. Commit to new ones that are less daunting, more doable and guaranteed to make you feel great.

What are your 2009 New Year’s Resolutions?

A few of my resolutions (or goals as I like to think of them) are:

*Enjoy each day and savor each moment with my 2 children
*Eat healthier!! I always say lose weight or go on a diet but this year is different although I do want to lose a few pounds I figure I need to start with my eating habits.
*Take more pictures of my family and friends. (Time flies… I need to capture more.)
*Read more. (I’m so busy that I don’t spend enough time enjoying down time or just me time.)

Now it’s your turn… what do you resolve to do this year?

www.reusablebags.com

2009-01-06T08:24:00.004-05:00

If you have not checked out this site, it is a MUST!! I love all the products I have gotten so far and love the fact that they donate back to our planet. Can't get better than that. They sell Eco-friendly bags as well as all kinds of bpa free drinking bottles.

This company has been fighting the massive over-consumption of plastic shopping bags since 2002 and have made a significant impact - inspiring hundreds of news stories and empowering individuals with practical products and activist tools.

Please share if you've ordered from this site because it is always nice to have positive reviews of items before purchasing.

Happy Shopping http://www.reusablebags.com/

What's For Supper Ya'll? Honey Roasted Chicken with Rosemary and Dijon

2009-01-05T00:01:00.001-05:00

Honey Roasted Chicken with Rosemary and Dijon
This recipe serves: 4

1 whole chicken, about 5 pounds
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1/4 cup honey
1 lemon, zested, halved and juiced
4 cloves garlic
peeled1/2 yellow onion, quartered

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season inside and out with salt and pepper.
2. Place the chicken in a large roasting pan.
3. Roughly chop two sprigs of the rosemary. In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, honey, chopped rosemary, lemon juice and lemon zest.
4. Place the remaining sprig of rosemary, a lemon half, the onion quarters and garlic in the cavity of the bird. Using a pastry brush, coat the outside of the bird with the lemon honey glaze.
5. Place the roasting pan in the oven and baste the chicken every 15 minutes with any remaining glaze. Roast until a thermometer inserted into the thigh reaches 180° and juices run clear, about one hour. Remove and discard the skin. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Serving Size: 1/4 of chicken Number of Servings: 4
Per Serving
Calories
341
Carbohydrate
24 g
Fat
7 g
Fiber
2 g
Protein
47 g
Saturated Fat
1 g
Sodium
333 mg

Putting Away Christmas

2009-01-02T12:29:00.001-05:00

Putting Away Christmas: How to organize your holiday decorations

By JustOrganized.com

Ready to reclaim your house from Christmas? This is your online instruction manual to get you started on the task of putting away Christmas. Do it now, and you will be pleasantly surprised when you go to access your holiday decorations next Christmas. Our five step process to an organized holiday:

Group your holiday items into categories;
Obtain appropriate containers;
Label containers;
Number containers in order of use;
Other great holiday organizing tips!
Group into Categories

First, you need to come up with your broad categories for organizing your treasures. Remember you want to be able to find them easily next year so group them the way you think about your stuff. I have given you some suggestions below to help you get started.

Outdoor Decorations - these would include lights for outdoor trees, tree stands, spotlights, free standing decorations and wreaths.

Indoor Tree Decorations - strings of lights, tree stands, tree skirts
Tree Ornaments - individual ornaments - hand made and purchased
Holiday Cards - addresses, new cards, old cards that have sentimental value
Decorative Items - things that hang on the wall (wreaths & pictures), things that are decorations for a room (bath, living room, bedrooms, dining room), things that have to do with food and entertaining (platters, dishes, glass ware).
Linens - bed linens, pillows, throws, towels for the bath, kitchen towels, table linens.
Wrapping items - paper, bows, ribbon, boxes, gift bags, tags, tape, scissors, pens.
Children's books - my kids are older now so we take them off the shelves during the year and store them with the holiday items. Next to Christmas cards this is the first box down from the attic.

NOTE: Don't pack something away that you no longer love. This is the time to weed out the decoration or other items that you no longer like or need.

Obtain Appropriate Containers
Secondly, once you have sorted and purged any items you no longer want you can now find the best container that would best suit your needs. You can choose boxes made especially for ornaments, wreathes, Christmas trees and gift wrap. Some of my clients prefer the solid red and green plastic containers that are easy to distinguish from their other storage containers. Others prefer clear so you can see what is inside the box. Others prefer to use the original packaging that trees and other decorations come in, in addition to plastic containers. It is entirely dictated by your preferences.

Label the Containers
Third, label your boxes on the outside with the broad categories. On the inside make a master list of the contents. It can be as specific as each item described or it can be as broad as you like. The point is to make it easy to find that special something when you are decorating next year.

Number the Containers
Fourth, number the boxes in the order that you will bring them out the next holiday season. For example Box #1 could be all the Christmas and Holiday cards because it is the first thing you do at the beginning of the season before you start decorating. Box #2 might be the tree lights, stand and other accessories.

Other Holiday Organizing Tips
Finally some other ideas to think about to help you get your Christmas and holiday decorations put away organized.

Consider getting rid of decorations that you no longer use or want. Why not share them with a relative or give them to a charity? Don't pack something away that you no longer love.
You don't have to decorate using everything every year. This year we had 2 indoor trees with different themes and colors of lights. Next year we might have something totally different.
Buy containers only after you know what you need.

Separate out stuff for your kids now and add to it each year. This way it won't be such an overwhelming task. When I got married my mom gave me the box of ornaments and Christmas decorations that were mine. She had started separating out my sibling and my ornaments when we were in high school. Included in this storage box was family heirlooms as well as all those things I made in grade school.

Make note of what you are missing and put this list in Box #1. That way at the beginning of next year you can take your list to the store and buy yourself a new star or string of light.
You don't have to do it all at once. Maybe this year take the time to sort and toss the strings of light. Next year you can be more ruthless with the ornaments.

Countdown to our 2009 Divas In The Kitchen Membership Drive is upon us!

2008-12-30T13:45:00.002-05:00

With 2009 quickly approaching, we could not be more excited to kick off our 2009 The Divas In The Kitchen Membership Drive!!

Start Your Own Chapter

In starting your own chapter, you become an official Hostess Diva - a position of honor and respect.

The Divas In The Kitchen Foundation will send you a Hostess Diva Membership package, including club information, an original Divas In The Kitchen Chapter Charter, signed by The Divas In The Kitchen Foundation, an official Divas In The Kitchen rolling pin (our form of "gavel" to call your meetings to order!), a Pink Polka Dot benefits badge (entitling you to discounts on The Divas In The Kitchen hostess goods), newsletter and email updates!

Hostess Diva Charter Membership is $20 per year. Welcome!

Join An Existing Chapter

You can join a chapter in your area and will be graciously welcomed as a Pink Polka Dot Member into your new network of diva friends!

For information on chapters in your area, send The Divas In The Kitchen? Foundation an inquiry email message at: thedivasinthekitchen@gmail.com. The Divas In The Kitchen Foundation will receive your message by email and contact you either by phone or email as requested.

Your Pink Polka Dot Membership includes club information, a Pink Polka Dot benefits badge (entitling you discounts on The Divas In The Kitchen hostess goods), newsletter and email updates!

Pink Polka Dot Membership is $20 per year.

If you'd like to join our organization, please send us an email at thedivasinthekitchen@gmail.com.
50% of your annual dues will go to your local chapter. The remainder of your dues goes to the administrative and maintenance fees associated with the operations of our organization.

2008-12-26T14:24:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a very Happy New Year!!

Happy Holidays

2008-12-22T21:02:00.004-05:00

From all of our staff we would like to wish you a very happy holiday season!!

Christmas China

2008-12-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

My sister-in-law inspired me to collect china. The holidays are especially fun.

After searching and searching for the perfect pattern, here is my favorite:

It's Villeroy & Boch Toys Fantasy. There is a huge collection of accessories that go with this pattern.

They have coffee mugs, ornaments, coffee pots, bowls, figurines!

I am extremely interested in what other people like. Please post to this blog today and share with us your favorite holiday china pattern!

Happy Holidays!!

How do YOU help??

2008-12-18T00:00:00.002-05:00

I was brainstorming with some other Diva's about how to raise money for a charity. We came up with some fantastic ideas, but was wondering what other great concepts are being done!

Our list included:

~A Vendor Day-Each vendor would donate a percentage of their profit for for the day

~A Boot Camp Fundraiser

~Make something, sell it and give a % of the profit to the charity

~Babysitting

Please share anything you have done to raise money or any ideas you might have!

Together we are making a difference!

2008-12-17T00:01:00.001-05:00

Christmas Presents
From LoveToKnow Christmas

Although some people enjoy wrapping Christmas presents, others consider the task to be even more unpleasant than fighting the crowds at the mall on Black Friday. If you feel like you’re all thumbs with the tape and scissors, take our crash course in Gift Wrapping 101 to reduce your stress level this holiday season.

If you’re pressed for time, you may wonder why you need to wrap your Christmas presents. Here are a few reasons why the extra effort makes a difference:

Attractive gift wrap makes even a small gift seem special. Even if you’re on a budget, a thoughtfully-wrapped gift lets the recipient know that you care.

If you plan to display your gifts under the Christmas tree or in some other central location, beautiful gift wrap adds to the overall effect of your holiday décor.

Even though most gift wrap does end up in the trash, your gift wrap will still be preserved in your Christmas pictures. Do you want to be memorialized for future family gatherings as the relative who gave gifts that looked like they were wrapped by a preschooler?

Quick and Easy Gift Wrapping

Of course, decorative gift bags are the easiest solution to wrapping Christmas presents. While they are slightly more expensive than wrapping paper, you can often find attractive bags in a variety of sizes at your local dollar store. Another way to cut down costs is to reuse bags from previous years.

If you don’t want to use decorative gift bags, check out the following articles for easy to follow gift wrap tutorials:

How to Wrap a Present Nicely
How to Wrap a Present in a Unique Way

Impressive Wrapping

If you’re feeling ambitious and want to give your gift recipient a special keepsake, use a decoupage gift box for your present. Choose either holiday-themed papers or embellishments that reflect the recipient’s hobbies and special interests.

While most people will use bows to add a finishing touch to their Christmas gifts, there are many other choices available. For gifts that make an impact, consider one of the following suggestions:

Pinecones
Small Christmas ornaments
Jingle bells
Paper snowflakes
Silk flowers
Candy canes

For more impressive ideas for wrapping Christmas presents, check out the following articles:
It’s a Wrap
14 Creative Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas
No Waste Gift Wrap Tips

Supply Storage

Once you’re finished wrapping Christmas presents, how do you store your leftover paper, tags, and ribbon? Since gift wrap is fragile, it’s not a good idea to just toss it in the closet. Consider purchasing one of the following storage products:

Vertical gift wrap organizer
Customized gift wrap center
Hanging gift wrap organizer
Portable gift wrap organizer

If you live in a small apartment, or simply don’t have much spare storage space, you’ll have to keep your gift wrapping supplies to a minimum. Instead of using paper with candy canes and snowmen to wrap your gifts, choose solid colors or simple geometric patterns. For example, a package wrapped in white paper and tied with a red velvet ribbon makes an elegant Christmas gift. But, when you change the ribbon to a pretty pastel pink or blue, you can wrap a lovely baby shower gift with the same basic supplies.

More Gift Wrap Ideas

Need a few more ideas for wrapping your presents? Check out our Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas gallery!

Isn't it time you joined together to support your community?

2008-12-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

You're starting to see us everywhere!!

Become a member of the The Divas In The Kitchen today and start giving back to your community!!

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of others.

How You Can Become A Member of The Divas In The Kitchen...

The Divas In The Kitchen™ are an elite group of women who share a passion for style, sophistication and the art of fine food and entertaining!You can recognize us by our brown and pink hostess aprons accessorized by our gracious pearl necklaces!

We are organized by chapters all over the country and come together to share our ideas, enthusiasm and creativity in the world of cuisine and presentation.We share a common "Diva Spirit!" - in other words, we take pride in ourselves for accomplishing the modern day balance of sophistication and traditional homemaking with zest and flair!

The Divas In The Kitchen™ are an emerging network of talented women who bring our unique experiences, education and sense of pizzazz to something we enjoy that has been around for centuries - hostessing elegant affairs, large ones or small, dinner parties or book clubs, intimate gatherings or soirees - it is our pride in preparation and detail that unites our group.

Most importantly, we share more than good times, we share our support with our communities.

As members of The Divas In The Kitchen ™, we dedicate at least one of our events each year to support our favorite charitable cause. While enjoying eachothers' company, we share our time to help make a difference in the lives of others.

The Divas In The Kitchen™ are on a mission: to celebrate our achievement in taking hostessing and homemaking to the next generation as well as to give back to the communities we so deeply cherish!

Congratulations. You have just taken the first step in receiving formal recognition as a true Diva In The Kitchen™ (You've been one for years – now you're finally being treated like one!)

Start Your Own Chapter

In starting your own chapter, you become an official Hostess Diva – a position of honor and respect.

The Divas In The Kitchen™ Foundation will send you a Hostess Diva Membership package, including club information, an original Divas In The Kitchen™ Chapter Charter, signed by The Divas In The Kitchen™ Foundation, an official Divas In The Kitchen™ rolling pin (our form of "gavel" to call your meetings to order!), a Pink Polka Dot benefits badge (entitling you to discounts on The Divas In The Kitchen™ hostess goods), newsletter and email updates! Hostess Diva Charter Membership is $20 per year.

Welcome!

Join An Existing Chapter

You can join a chapter in your area and will be graciously welcomed as a Pink Polka Dot Member into your new network of diva friends!

For information on chapters in your area, send The Divas In The Kitchen™ Foundation an inquiry email message at: divas@cookies4acause.com. The Divas In The Kitchen™ Foundation will receive your message by email and contact you either by phone or email as requested.

Your Pink Polka Dot Membership includes club information, a Pink Polka Dot benefits badge (entitling you discounts on The Divas In The Kitchen™ hostess goods), newsletter and email updates! Pink Polka Dot Membership is $20 per year.If you'd like to join our organization, please send us an email at divas@cookies4acause.com.

50% of your annual dues will go to your local chapter. The remainder of your dues goes to the administrative and maintenance fees associated with the operations of our organization.

Did you know????

2008-12-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

*Every ton of paper that is recycled saves 380 gallons of oil

*The average American uses 7 trees a year in paper and wood, but by recycling one-tenth of your newspapers would save about 25,000,000 trees a year

*Recycling 1 glass bottle can light a 100-watt light bulb for 4 hours

*The US uses more than 80 million aluminum cans each year and by recycyling 1 can save enough energy to power a tv for 3 hours

*An estimated 28 billion plastic water bottles are bought each year. Almost 8 out of 10 bottles will end up in a landfill which takes over 1000 years to docompose!

Enough said....Do your part!!

2008-12-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

Holiday Entertaining

By Fine Living.com

'Tis the season to be jolly! Gather your friends and family, and share some holiday cheer with these entertaining ideas.

Decorate Naturally

It's time to deck the halls! For your holiday gathering, create a festive atmosphere in your home, but forego those store-bought decorations. Do it simply and naturally with real boughs of holly, ivy and mistletoe. According to English-gardening.com, holly represents immortality and is a plant of good omen; ivy is thought to bring good luck and happiness; and mistletoe offers protection, peace and bestows life and fertility. It'll give your home a festive, earthy feeling - plus that mistletoe just might give your guests something to talk about!

http://www.christmasholly.com/

Holiday Scents

A great way to welcome friends into your home is through the aroma of simmering mulling spices. You can steep the spices in either low boiling water, allowing the scents to fill the air; or you can use it for mulling wine or cider, and serve as a warm winter beverage. Make your own mix by simply combining cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, dried orange and lemon peel, allspice, berries, cloves and crystallized ginger. Place in double layers of cheesecloth and then get brewing! Visit our link for recipes.

http://busycooks.about.com/library/recipes/blmullingmix.htm

Go Potluck

Want to entertain without all the stress? Throw a potluck dinner. Try something different and encourage guests to bring one of their favorite holiday dishes. Traditional favorites include turkey and stuffing for Thanksgiving; Christmas pudding and oyster stew for Christmas; sufganiyot (donuts) and latkes for Chanukah; and sweet potatoes and banana custard with raisins for Kwanzaa. To find a variety of delicious recipes, visit our link.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/

Seasonal Spills

When you invite people over for a festive gathering, chances are something is going to spill. If red wine stains your carpet, first blot it with a clean cloth, then sprinkle a little bit of salt on the area. Leave it until it has absorbed the stain, and when it's dry, vacuum it up. Or, if you find water rings on wood, use a combination treatment of an abrasive and lubricant, such as an auto-polishing compound, to buff and polish it away. We've got more holiday quick fixes for you.

http://www.ivillage.com/home/experts/clean/articles/0,,165864_548542,00.html?arrivalSA=1&arrival_freqCap=2

Hostess Gift

Got a full social calendar during the holidays? If you've been invited to someone's home, bring a hostess gift. It's not obligatory, yet it is a thoughtful way to give thanks and show your appreciation for their hospitality. Try to think about your host's interests, such as bringing a nice bottle of wine to the oenophile or aged balsamic vinegar for the gourmet. We've got some great ideas that won't break your bank, especially when there's a party every weekend!

Serving Beverages

Raise your glass and toast the holidays! When you have people coming over, interior designer Sheila Bridges recommends premixing your cocktails so you can spend your time mingling; keep drinks on ice in galvanized steel or plastic containers; and use unique containers for a creative look. To get into the holiday spirit, skip the eggnog (too heavy!) and warm the cockles of their hearts with holiday cocktails such as Hot Buttered Rum, a classy Kir Royale or Gingersnap Punch. We'll get you mixing in no time.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/081184157X/qid=1065608251/sr=1-21/ref=sr_1_21/002-8186594-7643260?v=glance&s=books

Tree-Trimming Party

This season, invite friends over for a tree-trimming party. It's a fun and interactive way to celebrate. You supply the tree, your guests supply the ornaments. Go eco-friendly and choose a potted version, such as a deciduous or evergreen tree. This way you won't have to throw it away when the season is over. Make sure the pot is proportionate to the size of your tree; it should have a drain hole; and try to find a potting mix that is equal proportions of compost, shredded bark, leaf mold and sand. For a list of trees that thrive in containers, visit our link.

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_trees_shrubs_deciduous/article/0,1785,HGTV_3644_1390120,00.html

Festive Finger Foods

At your soiree, be sure to serve a variety of finger foods. Minimize your time in the kitchen by serving room temperature items that can stay out on your table during the duration of the event. According to foodnetwork.com, professional caterers estimate 10-12 items total per person for appetizers. Before you entertain that crowd, explore our link for a variety of savory foods, including White Bean Hummus Dip, Grilled Eggplant Bruschetta and Herbed Spiced Nuts.

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_entertaining_occasions/article/0,1801,HGTV_3115_1383352,00.html

Sending Invitations

So, you've chosen a date and marked your calendar for your festive fete. Now it's time for the invitations. If it's a formal event, send custom printed invites four to six weeks in advance. Going casual? Use store-bought invites and mail them two weeks in advance. Be sure to include the day, date and time of party; the place; suggested dress (casual to formal); and a phone number for RSVP. Visit our link for more holiday planning ideas.

http://superpages.com/holidays/holiday01/planning.html

Throw a Holiday Party

Long on friends but short on square footage? Why not invite friends over for an open house where guests simply drop by at different times during your soiree. If you stagger the arrival of each guest, you won't be overwhelmed with too many people in your home at the same time. Now even apartment dwellers can invite the whole clan. For more tips, visit our link.

Cookies For A Cause™

2008-12-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

The 2008 Cookies For A Cause Gala was a huge success! It was the largest cookie exchange in town with over 120 people attending. It was held at the Mint Museum Craft and Design, Uptown Charlotte. Thousands of Dollars were raised for Charity!! Charities Supported were: Cookies For A Cause, Barium Springs Childrens' Home; Humane Society; Lymphoma Research Foundation and Ace & TJ's Grin Kids.

COOKIES FOR A CAUSE™ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where participants host gatherings anywhere in the United States, put money in a cookie jar and donate the cookie jar proceeds to their favorite charitable cause.

The mission is simple, help others.

Check out the website for more information. www.cookies4acause.com

I am so proud to be a part of the "CHANGE" we are creating!!

Catalog Choice

2008-12-09T00:00:00.001-05:00

If you want an easy way to start going green, here is your answer! Do you get catalog after catalog in the mail. What do you do with them?? Where do they end up?? Do you really need all of them or could you do without some!

Catalog Choice is an easy, free service that allows you to decline unwanted catalogs, reducing the number of catalogs in your mailbox and the number of trees that get sent to the paper mill.

Join me by clicking the link below: https://www.catalogchoice.org/signup

If you do get lots of catalogs, make sure you at least recycle or reuse them! Some ideas of how to reuse them is to let your kids look through and cut out pictures and words...etc.

What's For Supper Ya'll? Potluck Recipes

2008-12-08T00:01:00.001-05:00

Family-Friendly Party Food

By Family Fun

Who doesn't like a potluck? A variety of dishes from a variety of cooks means there's bound to be something you've never tried -- and loved!

Sweets and Desserts
Apple Pie Party Dip
Berry Trifle
Blueberry Pie
Chocolate Mint Brownies
Flutter Delight Cupcakes
Fruit Flag
Ladybugs on a Stick
Lemon Sponge Cake
Oatmeal Cookies
Peanut Butter Buttons
Polar Bear Cubcakes
Quadruple Fudge Brownies
Raspberry Crumble Bars
Sugar-dusted Lemon Bars
The Ultimate Pear Crisp

Finger Foods
Animal Chips
Cheeseburger Bread
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Cucumber Cups
Deviled Egg Boats
Edamame Dip
Fluffy Cheese Puffs
Lasagna Rolls
Mexican Sushi Bites
Mini Pumpkin Tarts
Pickles in a Blanket
Snowy Trail Mix
Spinach Sticks
Spiral Sandwiches
Tiny Taco Tarts

Hot Dishes
American Chop Suey
Armadillo Potatoes
Chicken and Biscuit Pie
Chili Pie with Cornmeal Crust
Classic Mac and Cheese
Cracker Chicken
Enchilada Casserole
Heavenly Ham Casserole
Indiana Corn Casserole
Mexicali Pie
One-Skillet Lasagna
Southwest Corn Spoon Bread
Turkey Tetrazzini
World's Best Shepherd's Pie
Ziti with Ricotta and Spinach

Salads and Breads
Antipasto Salad
Asian Chicken Slaw
Corn, Avocado, and Tomato Salad
Crunchy Carrot Salad
Guacamole Potato Salad
Irish Brown Bread
Israeli Couscous Salad
Lemon Angel Hair
Mango, Jicama & Cucumber Salad
Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs
Perfect Popovers
Stoplight Slaw
Sweet Zucchini Bread with Citrus
Tingly Fruit Salad
Vegetable Fried Rice

Ace and TJs Grin Kids Foundation

2008-12-04T00:00:00.003-05:00

Their mission is to take as many children as financially possible to Disney World with their parents and siblings. Because of their special needs and financial strain, this is an experience that many of these children and families would not be able to know without the help of ACE & TJ's Grin Kids.

Ace & TJ's Grin Kids is a non-profit 501(c)3 charity, created by morning show personalities Ace & TJ in Charlotte, North Carolina in January of 2000. The name of the organization comes from Ace & TJ's motto on their morning show, "You Grin, You're In!" Ace & TJ's Grin Kids is designed to enhance the lives of children in our listening areas who are terminally ill and chronically handicapped, ages five through twelve, by taking them to DisneyWorld with their entire family. Each year, Ace & TJ's Grin Kids charters a 727 to take these children, with their sibling, parents, and health care workers to Disney World in Florida. Because of their special needs and financial strain, this is an experience that many of these children and families would not be able to know without the help of Ace & TJ's Grin Kids. Over the years, Ace & TJ's Grin Kids has taken over 200 Grin Kids and their families to Disney World. And during the 5-day vacation, all expenses are paid, including air travel, ground transportation, Disney Park-Hopper passes, meals, hotel rooms at a Disney Resort, and Disney Dollars for souvenirs. During the Grin Kids trip each year, the Ace & TJ Show broadcasts live from Disney World and shares the stories, the excitement, the fun of the trip, allowing listeners to share in the experience of a lifetime. Grin Kids is funded exclusively by listener donations. Some are large, some are small, but without the listeners, the "Radio Family" participating in various fundraising events, the Grin Kids trip would not be possible year to year.

Cookies For A Cause is doing a fundraiser with Ace and TJ in February. Come back for more details soon!

Together We Are Making a Difference!

Banana Bread

2008-12-03T07:31:00.010-05:00

As Christmas gets near I get that baking bug. So over the weekend my daughter and I decided to make banana bread. So I pulled the bananas out of the freezer to thaw out and the butter to soften. We like to get all of our ingredients and any measuring items out on the counter before we start(just to make things easier). We follow directions as written and follow through with greasing pan and preheating the oven. Forty-five minutes later we have yummy warm banana bread out of the oven. I don't know about you but I always use the timer and set it 10-15 minutes less then suggested time. After the buzzer goes off I usually set the timer every 4 minutes checking the bread with my oven light and not opening the oven door(every time you open the door heat escapes).

We pull it out and let it cool on the rack. We slice into it later and it seems to be very thick in consistency. As my husband takes his slice and bites into it he says "It tastes great but its dry."

Dry...Dry???? How could it be dry?

Over beating the butter can soften it too much, which will diminish its ability to trap air.
Over beating the eggs whips in too much air and creates tunnels in the baked good.
Over beating once the flour has been added, promotes gluten formation and toughens the recipe.

My daughter likes to help like any other child. In helping she likes to pour the ingredients into the bowl and stir, stir, stir so the only thing I can think of is that she/we over beat the batter.

The giving holidays are on the way~

2008-12-02T00:00:00.001-05:00

How can you shop green for the holidays?? If you like giving items check out this website and you will find almost everything you are looking for.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/green-gifts

I love the way the Daily Green puts it....to give without just giving stuff!! This year especially with the economy you can do a lot more than just give an item. You can give through volunteerism, charitable donations and more. Just to name a few in our community....Barium Springs is looking for people to provide a few items for kids at their facility. The schools in Mecklenburg county are also trying to help families in need. If you are interested in sponsoring a child or family, just let me know and I will provide you with information. :) Be creative and give from your heart!

What's For Supper Ya'll? Fruitcake!

2008-12-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Fruitcake Recipes
Recipes and tips for making delicious holiday fruitcakes
By Diana Rattray, About.com

Fruitcakes get an awful lot of bad press, especially the mass produced varieties, but a rich homemade version can be incredibly delicious.

The South, with it's great love for baking cakes, has offered many fruitcakes through the years. In Mary Randolph's "The Virginia Housewife" (1824), there is a recipe for "A Rich Fruit Cake" with a pound cake batter and 9 pounds of assorted raisins, currants, almonds, and citron. "Mrs. Hill's New Cookbook" (1872) gives recipes for five, including a "Cheap Fruitcake," "Confederate Fruit Cake," and "Black Cake."

Generally, fruitcake is a mixture of fruits and nuts with just enough batter to hold them together. When wrapped in cloth and foil, saturated with alcoholic liquors regularly, and kept in in tightly closed tins, a fruitcake may be kept for months or even years.
Have It Your Way...If there are certain fruits you don't like, you can always include more of another, or some of your own favorites. Dried fruits cooked in juice can take the place of candied fruits, and seeds can replace nuts. To convert a favorite "dark" fruitcake recipe to a "light" fruitcake, leave out the dark spices, use light colored fruits (golden raisins, dried apricots, etc.), and replace dark corn syrup or molasses with light corn syrup.

Fruitcake-Making Tips
To prevent overbrowning, line the bottom and sides of the pan with foil. If you leave extra foil overlapping the sides, it will be easier to remove the cake.
When baking, set the fruitcake pan in a baking pan (13x9-inch) half-filled with water to prevent burning around the edges.

Let fruitcake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
For long-term storage, bury the linen and foil wrapped fruitcake in a tin filled with powdered sugar.

Fruitcake Recipes and Related Cakes and Cookies

Spiced Dark Fruitcake

Southern-Style Christmas Fruitcake

Holiday Steamed Fruitcake

Wedding Fruit Cake Icebox Fruitcake

Icebox Fruitcake III

Marmalade Cookies

Whole-Wheat Christmas Fruitcake

No-Bake Fruitcake Balls

Tomato Soup Cake

Kentucky Bourbon Cake

Turkey Leftover Recipes!

2008-11-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

Top 10 Turkey Recipes - Delicious Leftovers

By Diana Rattray, About.com

Here are some of the most popular leftover turkey recipes on this site, including turkey sandwiches, casseroles, turkey pot pie, and turkey and rice recipes. Scroll down past the top 10 to see more leftover turkey recipes, along with roasted whole turkey, recipes using turkey cutlets, and more.

1. Savory Turkey Cobbler
Diana Rattray
This savory "Gobbler" cobbler is yet another great way to enjoy leftover turkey. Serve this cobbler with cranberry sauce on the side and a tossed green salad or fresh sliced tomatoes, if desired. If you're short on time, top the filling with your favorite homemade or refrigerated biscuits just before baking.

2. Turkey Pasta Casserole With Asparagus and Cheddar Cheese
Diana Rattray
I used mini penne pasta in this hearty casserole, but elbow macaroni or small shells would work just as well.

3. Creamy Parmesan Turkey Sauce With Country Ham and Peas
Diana Rattray
Serve this delicious sauce with pasta or over hot creamy grits. Feel free to add more cheese to this sauce, and smoked ham may be used in place of the country ham.

4. Turkey Casserole With Havarti Cheese
Diana Rattray
Prepare this turkey dish for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Feel free to use shredded Swiss or a mild Cheddar cheese in this flavorful turkey casserole.

5. Creamy Turkey With Artichokes
Diana Rattray
Serve this creamy turkey and vegetables over hot baked puff pastry shells, or serve over toast or split biscuits.

6. Turkey Pot Pie with Cornbread ToppingAn easy pot pie, made with cooked diced turkey, frozen peas, milk, cream of mushroom soup, and a cornmeal topping.

7. Turkey SupremeAn easy sauce is combined with sliced turkey breast and cooked rice or noodles. This is easy and delicious. Serve with a little leftover cranberry sauce and green beans for a complete meal.

8. Turkey Macaroni CasseroleAn easy turkey casserole, made with macaroni, chopped celery and peppers, Cheddar cheese, almonds, cooked diced turkey, and cream of chicken soup, along with milk and seasonings.

9. Turkey and Rice BakeTurkey and rice bake recipe, made with bacon, spinach, sliced turkey, cooked rice, seasonings, and a bread crumb topping.

10. Turkey a la KingAn easy recipe made with leftover turkey and veggies, along with cream of mushroom soup and seasonings. Serve this turkey over rice or toast.

Ada Jenkins Center

2008-11-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

Do you want to get involved in your community and help make a difference??? The Ada Jenkins Center is a great organization that makes a difference right here in our surrounding counties!

Their mission is to improve the quality of life for the residents of our communities through the integrated delivery of health, education, and human services.

The Divas In The Kitchen™ will be doing a drive to support Lydia's Loft (1 of the many services that Ada Jenkins provides). Lydia's Loft provides free clothing and household items to people in need in the North Mecklenburg and South Iredell regions. The program accepts donations of clothing and household items. Tax receipts are provided.

Please visit http://www.adajenkins.org/ to learn more about how you can get involved.

Holiday Craft

2008-11-26T04:26:00.002-05:00

Now that Thanksgiving is upon us I am trying to finish the last minute things that I need to do to make it a great day for not only my family and our friends but also for me so I can sit,(ok maybe not sit) but relax and enjoy. I went searching for the great Thanksgiving craft that I can have the children do while waiting to enjoy all our wonderful and tasty dishes. I figured that there would be enough of them that they could tackle this one on their own. Plus with help from the older children this should be a lasting memory to add to our collection. Also what a great centerpiece for the children's table (if you were to have one).

CRAFT MATERIALS:
Large brown paper bag
Piece of corrugated cardboard
Paper plates
Stapler
Mod-Podge glue
Colored paper
Orange or red balloon and googly eyes
Glitter, stickers, or other notions
Craft clothespins
Tacky glue

**For thorough directions an how to assemble please take a look at

family fun.com

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11307

Check out this BLOG!

2008-11-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

1 Green Mommy is a wonderful blog http://onegreenmommy.blogspot.com/ for all you women/moms that are looking to "Go A Little Greener". It is written by a suburban mommy of 2 looking to make a healthy life for her family. She does not claim to know it all, but she has learned a lot and shares it throughout her blog. Even though I have written on many of the same topics, it always great to hear/see it again and also see it from a different perspective.

Each time I look through it, I learn something new. My newest favorite is that if you turn in 5 clean plastic Target bags, you get a reusable shopping bag. What a great way to recycle! Check it out on her blog.

And don't forget to share anything you are doing green!

What's For Supper Ya'll? Thanksgiving Feast

2008-11-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving with a Twist!

Try these unique and innovative dishes.

By FoodNetwork.com

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Maple Cinnamon Sage Brown Butter
Turkey with Herbes de Provence and Citrus
The Definitive Mashed Potato with Roasted Garlic
Panettone Stuffing
Tart Cranberry Dipping Sauce
Marinated Butternut Squash: Scapece Di Zucca
Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Bourbon Spiked Cream
Chocolate-Hazelnut Tart
Thanksgiving With a Twist Recipe Gallery

Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll!

Turkey Crafts

2008-11-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

Turkey Crafts

By FamilyFun.com

Turkey crafts that your kids will gobble up
Balloon Turkeys
Colorful Turkey Caddy
New! Glowbird
Gourd Turkey Centerpiece
Paper-Bag Turkeys
Pinecone Turkeys
Spuds McTurkey
Terra-Cotta Turkey Planter
Tissue Paper Turkey
Turkey Breadbasket
Turkey Candelabra
Turkey Chair Covers
Turkey Hat
Turkey Napkin Holders
Turkey Napkin Rings
Turkey Nut Holder
Turkey Piñata
Turkey Place Cards
Turkey Place Markers
Turkey Puppet
Turkey Table Topper

Your Great Turkey Ideas

Families share their favorite turkey crafts
Beach Stone Place Holders
Cardboard & Paper Turkey
Classroom Treats
Familiar Feathers of Thanks
Gourd Turkey Place Holders
Leaf Turkeys
Poster Board Thanks Bird
Salad Spinner Turkeys
More Great Thanksgiving Ideas

The Divas In The Kitchen™~ First Chapter

2008-11-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

WE PROUDLY INTRODUCE OUR FIRST CHAPTER---

Lake Norman Divas

This Chapter was created September 2008 and held its first meeting in October! It is made up of women from Lake Norman, NC. We share a common "Diva Spirit!" We take pride in ourselves for accomplishing the modern day balance of sophistication and traditional homemaking with zest and flair, but most importantly, the support we have for our community! We started with just 9 women and in one month we have grown to 15...
You can recognize us by our brown and pink accessories and by our BIG HEARTS! We plan on doing different drives throughout the year to help make a difference in our community, as well as a variety of fund raising events to raise money for one local charity.
If you'd like to join our organization, please send us an email at divas@cookies4acause.com.

Join An Existing Chapter
You can join a chapter in your area and will be graciously welcomed as a Pink Polka Dot Member into your new network of diva friends! For information on chapters in your area, send The Divas In The Kitchen™ Foundation an inquiry email message at: divas@cookies4acause.com. The Divas In The Kitchen™ Foundation will receive your message by email and contact you either by phone or email as requested. Your Pink Polka Dot Membership includes club information, a Pink Polka Dot benefits badge (entitling you discounts on The Divas In The Kitchen™ hostess goods), newsletter and email updates! Pink Polka Dot Membership is $20 per year.

Start Your Own Chapter
In starting your own chapter, you become an official Hostess Diva – a position of honor and respect. The Divas In The Kitchen™ Foundation will send you a Hostess Diva Membership package, including club information, an original Divas In The Kitchen™ Chapter Charter, signed by The Divas In The Kitchen™ Foundation, an official Divas In The Kitchen™ rolling pin (our form of "gavel" to call your meetings to order!), a Pink Polka Dot benefits badge (entitling you to discounts on The Divas In The Kitchen™ hostess goods), newsletter and email updates! Hostess Diva Charter Membership is $35 per year.

Each year 10% of your annual dues will go to the organization Spotlighted for the Cookies For A Cause Gala. The remainder of your dues goes to the maintenance fees associated with the operations of our organization.

Pretty Napkins

2008-11-18T09:59:00.008-05:00

If you're throwing a dinner party in the near future, you can add a great decorating piece with a few napkin-folding ideas. If you fold your napkins in a fancy or creative way, you can add another level to your place settings and the appearance of your table. Proper napkin folding, involves more than just a creative flair. So many designs, precise measurements and materials are needed for the best results. With a few creative napkin ideas, your next dinner party can be the talk of the town.

Here is one from the back of the Cookies For A Cause, Divas In The Kitchen First Annual Cookie Book.

The Fan, pretty on a plate.

1. Fold top and bottom edges to center

2. Fold top and bottom edges to center a second time.

3. Pleat firmly from the left edge. Sharpen edges with hot iron

4. Spread out fan. Balance folds of each side on table.

Well-starched napkins will hold shape.

There are so many more designs to pick from. Here's a great website http://www.napkinfoldingguide.com/